Top Schools To Self Assess In New KHDA Initiative

The KHDA has announced that Dubai's top schools will receive a self assessment, instead of a conventional DSIB inspection when they participate in a new KHDA knowledge sharing initiative. High-achieving schools in Dubai have been invited to share their learning with others as part of a new initiative to increase the quality of all schools in Dubai. Called the Abundance Group project, Dubai's Outstanding and Very Good schools which participate will receive a differentiated inspection based on self-evaluation, which will allow them to focus their resources on giving back to other schools. The project aims to be mutually beneficial, and create long-term learning partnerships between schools. Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said, “At this stage, we believe it is essential to map out a different way forward; a smarter approach that makes good use of the abundant knowledge, skills and talents our schools have, and enables them to share these with others in Dubai.” Dr Al Karam added, “We are confident that schools in Dubai will continue to improve in future, and we trust in the commitment to excellence that our highest achieving schools have shown.” Schools wishing to participate in Abundance Group projects will be invited to attend a design-thinking session at the start of the next academic year in September. The Abundance Group complements What Works and the Lighthouse project, additional initiatives designed to enable collaboration and a greater focus on positive education in Dubai. The move comes in line with KHDA’s support of the UAE National Agenda, Dubai Future Agenda and the overarching Dubai Expo 2020 theme of ‘connecting minds, creating the future’.  The number of schools that have been rated Good or better has risen to 29 in 2015-16, up from four in 2008-09.