Abu Dhabi Education Council is launching "Irtiqaa" program to assure the quality of education in public and private schools in Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The program aims to meet the highest international performance standards. It comes in line with ADEC’s vision calling for high quality education in all schools and for all students.

H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, ADEC’s Director General, said that ADEC seeks to achieve excellence in education by implementing the best internationally recognized education practices. Such effective programs and plans aim to keep pace with the highest quality standards and enhance learning outcomes in accordance with ADEC’s 10 year Strategic Plan.

Dr. Al Khaili pointed out that "Irtiqaa " program, launched today across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is designed to identify quality levels of school performance, provide necessary support in order to help achieve the highest standards, encourage the implementation of best practice in education and exchange professional expertise. "This program will be implemented by all schools at the beginning of School Year 2012-2013," he added.

"Irtiqaa" Program, to be implemented for the first time, involves evaluating and developing the performance level of both the emirate’s private and public schools. It aims to achieve excellence in education in order to prepare graduates who are capable of meeting labor market needs in accordance with the goals of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030", said Mr. Salem Al Sayari, ADEC’s Executive Director of Support Services.

Ms. Maryam Saqer, ADEC’s Manager of School Inspection and Monitoring, said that "Irtiqaa" program sends a clear message that ADEC is willing to provide a world-class comprehensive educational assessment framework. "Irtiqaa will help enhance the performance level of schools by creating a competitive environment, increasing awareness among educators on the importance of quality performance in education and providing inspection tools and established standards. Moreover, it will enable school administrations to explore the best international practices in education, assess school performance using a grading system," she added.

"High-performing schools will receive Iqraa Award which will allow them to apply for academic accreditation and get special privileges," Saqer pointed out.

The program will be implemented in both public and private schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through an action plan. Such action plan will be a comprehensive assessment framework based on international standards, a school self-evaluation form and accurate evaluation reports shedding light on strengths and areas for improvement. In addition, the program will provide workshops on how to improve performance in line with Irtiqaa standards and expectations and organize conferences and seminars showcasing the best international practices and allowing for exchange of expertise.

The school is evaluated based on eight standards. They are students’ achievement & progress, personal development of students, teaching quality, meeting students’ needs through the curriculum, the protection, care, guidance & support of students, quality of accommodation & facilities, resources that help a school achieve its objectives and competence of leadership & management of the school.

ADEC is keen to train UAE educators through Irtiqaa in order to join the school inspection teams in accordance with their field of expertise. Recently, a number of UAE candidates were interviewed and 20 were found qualified to join the forthcoming training program which will enable them to perform their duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently in the future. Trainees will acquire effective techniques and assessment skills and develop a solid foundation of knowledge by attending a number of workshops and conferences and visiting high performing schools. This would enable them to accumulate a whole range of competencies and a solid skill set. Training will assist them to be school assessment leaders and provide them with their own professional development plan. Eventually, they will obtain a certified inspector certificate.

H.E. Dr. Al Khaili attended the program’s first workshop organized for 12 pilot public school principals from Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and Al Gharbia Region. The workshop aimed at familiarizing them with the Irtiqaa program objectives and mechanisms. Moreover, principals had the chance to pose their queries regarding the program. They commended the program that they considered as a great opportunity that helps identify the proper means to improve and develop education. The program also organized meetings and workshops for principals of private schools which are currently being evaluated.

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