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ADEC prepares school community for education reform
Abu Dhabi, 20th June 2010 (WAM) — In preparation for the 2010-11 school year, Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) is launching the first phase of the New School Model, which aims to introduce a new approach to teaching and learning.
This key initiative of ADEC’s 10-Year Strategic Plan will be the way forward for all government schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Starting September 2010, the New School Model will be applied in 171 KG and cycle 1 schools including grades 1-3. All grade levels will be transitioned into the same single model by 2016.The opening ceremony of the training academy was attended by Humaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education, Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, Director General of ADEC, in addition to officials and senior management of ADEC.ADEC is hosting a leadership training week for 352 KG and Cycle 1 public school principals and vice principals in order to better equip school leadership to support this education reform. Principals and vice principals will be trained in strategic leadership, methods of leading people, organizations, and communities, and more specifically in leading teaching and learning under ADEC’s new educational model.The training will be conducted throughout 5 days period from 20-24th of June 2010 and it will focus on nine key modules to support leadership development: Creating a Compelling Vision; Leading Through Technology; Understanding Your Leadership Style; Promoting Teamwork; Supporting Student Centered Learning; Implementing the Curriculum of the New School Model; Developing High Quality Teachers; and Building a Student-Centered Environment.Principals will develop understanding and skills that will allow them to observe, assess, and support classroom teachers in their planning and implementation of a student-centered classroom. Principals and vice principals will be provided with a ‘School Leadership Handbook’ and a ‘Professional Standard for Principals’ handbook to assist them in their roles. The two handbooks are designed to help principals and vice principals understand the key beliefs, values and guiding principles of the New School Model so they are able to operate schools to their full potential.
The training is being conducted by leading education consultancy Leeds Global, which includes some of the most respected and influential leaders working in education today. The Leeds Global team combines decades of experience with students, teachers, principals, policymakers, and elected officials to deliver unsurpassed strategies, practical solutions, and on-the-ground services.During the opening session, Dr. Rafic Makki, Executive Director, Office of Strategic Affairs at ADEC, presented an overview of the accomplishments of ADEC’s 10-Year Strategic Plan, designed to drive education reform in the P-12 sector.Dr. Lynne Pierson, Executive Director, P-12 at ADEC, explained the different facets of the New School Model, and Dr. John E. Chubb, CEO of Leeds Global, provided information on professional development support for principals and teachers.Over the course of the week 352 principals and vice-principals leading 171 schools will be trained for 4 hours a day. More than 3,000 teachers and 38,000 students will be affected by the transition to the New School Model at the start of the 2010-11 school year.Director General of ADEC Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili lauded the unlimited support of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Education Council and H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Vice-Chairman of ADEC, to develop world-class education in Abu Dhabi in accordance with the best international standards and practices.Dr. Al-Khaili said: “The goal of this revolutionary approach is to improve student learning experiences and to raise the academic outcomes of Abu Dhabi students to an internationally-competitive level necessary to achieve Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. Students will be at the centre of an active teaching and learning environment supported by schools, families and the community. Key priorities will focus on student health and safety, well-being, and individualized learning. These improvements in our approach to education will develop stronger Arabic and English literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity, and will also continue to emphasize cultural and national identity of Abu Dhabi students.”"This new approach to education focuses on creating bi-literate students, which means students will be able to understand, speak, read and write in both English and Arabic. While mathematics and science will be taught in English language, Arabic language, history, and Islamic studies will be taught by native Arabic speakers. Arabic language and heritage will remain an important part of the public education system in Abu Dhabi,” HE he added.The New School Model will include a number of key changes in KG and grades 1-3, to include:Effective and consistent school organization amongst all Abu Dhabi public schools, including established guiding principles, job descriptions, and hiring practices. All government and private schools will be governed by consistent policies that guide the design and implementation of programs and initiatives.
Schools will be supported by highly qualified teachers who meet established standards, and principals and vice principals who will not just serve as school administrators, but as instructional leaders, who will manage an ongoing and meaningful professional development program. Teachers will serve as “classroom-teachers” who oversee the development and education of a class of students throughout the day, instead of the system of “subject teachers” that currently exists.
The New School Model will help meet the individual instructional needs of children through using differentiated instruction, application of research-based promotion, and early identification of students with special education needs. Schools will apply consistent behaviour, discipline, and retention policies and procedures in addition to establishing strong attendance expectations.
Curriculum and assessment methods are of great importance in the New School Model. Instruction will be reviewed based on specific educational outcomes, such as literacy and numeracy skills, the ability to manage an integrated curriculum with best practice models of instructional delivery, and ongoing assessment of student performance. These assessment results will be used to inform and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Each classroom will be transformed into a child-centered learning environment, with world-class facilities and multi-sensory educational resources that are effective, safe, sustainable, and community-centered. This “learning center” approach will encourage children to explore, learn and think independently, in addition to promoting the early use of technology.
Family and community involvement is an important component of this new approach to education. Close partnerships between schools and families will lead to improved learning outcomes and ongoing and effective academic and social development.
