DUBAI Dubai has earned itself a prominent place on the global education map after leading international education charity CfBT Education Trust in its latest report has called on cities across the world to adopt proven reforms in the emirate and four other cities.
The report titled “Interesting Cities: five approaches to urban reform” is a one-of-its kind comparison of the approaches used by these cities to improve schools standards. Besides Dubai, these cities include London, New York, Rio de Janeiro and Ho Chi Minh City.
The report, launched at Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government on November 1, said: “The private school system in Dubai is unique in that almost 90 per cent of students in the city attend a private fee-paying institution. This uniqueness in turn presents a potential challenge for the Government of Dubai in terms of the extent to which it can improve schools which it does not run or own. The creation of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) in order to make schools accountable and as a means of encouraging school improvement has enabled the government to drive up standards through inspections.”
KHDA’s director general Dr Abdulla Al Karam said: “In the past seven years, we’ve engaged with local schools, teachers, parents and partners to provide meaningful information which has helped improve the quality of teaching and learning significantly in Dubai. The Interesting Cities report allows us to look outwards – to share the best of what we do and to learn the best of what others are doing. We are happy to be part of a global community and work with local and international partners to improve the quality of education for students not just in Dubai, but around the world.”
