KHDA report: Not up to class

DUBAI: Three Indian and two Pakistani schools in Dubai have been rated ‘unsatisfactory' in the latest inspection report of education authorities.

Not a single school out of the 23 (20 Indian and three Pakistani) inspected by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) recently was rated "outstanding". Even schools like The Indian High School and the Dubai Modern High School — they have boasted top scorers in tests for decades — fell short of the highest performance rating category.

Pakistani schools fared the worst in quality checks, with two of the three deemed ‘unsatisfactory'.

Some teachers also physically punish children, a KHDA report released yesterday said. "All three Pakistani schools have serious weaknesses with regard to the health and safety arrangements. This includes unsatisfactory practices relating to school transport, supervision and behaviour management. Corporal punishment is still used by teachers, even with children as young as four years of age," the summary read. On the other hand, 96 per cent of Indian schools are good or ‘acceptable'.

"Parents are concerned. Putting this [report] out is the first step to face this challenge and start [tackling] this point [low ratings] with Pakistani schools," said Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General, KHDA.

For full report, go to www.khda.gov.ae