Abu Dhabi's Education Authority Assesses 153 Schools For National Identity Integration
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has recently recognized more private schools for their significant contributions towards strengthening UAE National students' understanding of Emirati traditions, customs, and values. Through its phased National Identity Mark inspections, ADEK has evaluated a total of 153 schools, categorizing them based on their effectiveness in integrating national identity into their curricula.
As of the current assessment phase, eight private schools have achieved an Outstanding ranking in National Identity, with 33 schools rated as Good and 79 as Acceptable. However, 33 schools have received a Weak rating, indicating areas that need improvement. Further evaluations are scheduled for the remaining private schools not yet assessed.
Dr. Sara Al Suwaidi, Director of the Education Quality Assurance and Monitoring Office at ADEK, emphasized the importance of all schools, irrespective of the number of Emirati students they enroll, to develop and integrate national identity programs within their curriculum actively. These programs should involve the entire school community, including parents, to foster an enriched learning environment that extends beyond traditional classroom settings.
Despite the lack of schools achieving an Outstanding ranking in the latest assessment phase, Dr. Al Suwaidi noted a renewed determination among schools to improve. She highlighted the framework's role in offering parents a comprehensive insight into how effectively schools are nurturing an understanding and connection to Emirati culture and values among students.
In the first phase of inspections, six schools sought reassessment, leading to notable improvements in their ratings. Yasmina Private School notably advanced from Weak to Good rating, demonstrating significant progress. Further assessments are planned for an additional 60 private schools before the end of the academic year.
The National Identity Mark evaluates schools across three domains: Culture, which includes history, heritage, and the Arabic language; Values, covering respect, compassion, and global understanding; and Citizenship, which looks at belonging, volunteering, and conservation efforts. This ranking is assessed independently of ADEK's Irtiqa'a Inspection, which reviews the overall performance standards of Abu Dhabi's private schools and offers recommendations for enhancement.
The continuous effort to integrate national identity into the educational curriculum underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and values among future generations. Through these assessments and recognitions, ADEK aims to ensure that schools not only excel academically but also play a crucial role in connecting students with their Emirati roots.
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