The standard of Arabic and Islamic Education teaching in Dubai’s private schools is set to be improved by a rigorous new appointment process.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced a series of tests and interviews designed to analyse candidates’ subject knowledge, pedagogical understanding and practical lesson planning skills. When schools receive applications for a teaching post, they must seek approval from KHDA before offering a permanent position. Following the completion of a four-stage process, which is based on international best practice, KHDA will issue teaching appointment letters to successful candidates.
Launched in response to results released by KHDA’s Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, which show poor student performance in Arabic and Islamic Education across private schools in Dubai, the stringent appointment drive will take place three times a year in September, December, and May. The move is in line with the Dubai Government’s initiative to preserve local heritage and improve the overall standards of Arabic and Islamic Education in schools.
“We have informed the schools of our new selection process, explaining the rationale behind it. In June 2013 we received applications from 92 new Arabic and Islamic Education teachers, 18 of whom were granted teaching appointment letters,” said Jameela Al Muhairi, Chief of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau. “Moves have also been put in place to improve the existing standard of teaching in both Arabic and Islamic Education in private schools. We seek our stakeholders’ cooperation in providing better learning opportunities for students by ensuring the recruitment of effective teachers in these two key subjects.”
