The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The agreement is believed to ensure the improvement of the quality of education in various private US curriculum schools in Dubai.
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In fact, this is an expansion of the existing agreement from 2006 which provided comparable regulations and standards in newly launched educational facilities. Now, under the agreement, or cooperation memorandum, the two institutions – KHDA and NEASC will work together, sharing their experience and joining their efforts to achieve higher quality of US education in Dubai. Currently, there are 32 schools based on US curriculum in Dubai and only four of them have received accreditation by the NEASC. But the cooperation will provide more opportunities for official accreditation because there will be joint inspections and of course, preliminary visits which will prepare the schools for accreditation.
NEASC will not only monitor US private schools in Dubai but it will also asses colleges and other higher education facilities. The procedures for the accreditation itself start this October and are aimed at assuring parents that the often expensive education is in these schools is as good as in schools in the United States. According to Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA, this agreement for international accreditation is a guarantee that US curriculum-based schools and colleges in Dubai will assess and if necessary, will change their standards to meet international requirements. According to authorities, this self-evaluation and self-improvement is very important and a key factor for having a NEASC accreditation. After schools take the necessary measures an overall improvement of standards is expected, says Jameela Al Muhairi, Chief of Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau at KHDA.
Having an opportunity to apply for NEASC accreditation will greatly benefit US schools in Dubai because they will be able to provide higher quality and continuous improvement. Of course, NEASC is an institution well regarded in most parts of the world and its accreditation is recognized across the world. On the other hand, the agreement is great news for Dubai parents who can be sure their children receive a high quality education.
