Abu Dhabi mulls education reform

Reform and improvement of Abu Dhabi education system across Cycle 3 (Grades 10 to 12) schools was discussed at a Steering Committee Meeting organised by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec). Chaired by Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Adec's director general, the Steering Committee was briefed on the Council's three-phased approach to developing a Cycle 3 reform blueprint and implementation plan. The initiative, called "Creating Pathways to Success; the Role of Cycle 3 in Developing the UAE's Youth to Meet its Future Needs", will also address the need to reduce the dropout rate among Emirati pupils, which is about 12 per cent. First phase complete Since Adec has completed the first phase of this project, including diagnosing the issue, the Steering Committee will now participate in its second phase. To be completed in February 2012, it includes developing a blueprint for Cycle3 reform with the help of two separate working groups whose members will be nominated by the steering committee by the end of the week. During the project's third phase, detailed design plans and targeted pilot projects for the academic year 2012-2013 will be identified by March 2012. The two project teams will be Curriculum and Instructions, which will include Learning Environment and Standards, and Assessments, which will include Human Capital. The Parthenon Group will be providing project management, research, analytical, advisory and administrative support. The Committee members include Adec, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE University, Institute of Applied Technology and Health Authority Abu Dhabi.