“Education is a
fundamental
element for the
development of
a nation and
the best
investment in
its youth”
WHAT WORKS SEPTEMBER 2014
UAE National Agenda
• In 2021 the UAE will celebrate its 50th anniversary as a Nation
• 2020 will have seen us host the EXPO 2020
• By 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has set the country ambitious targets including
some which are predominantly linked to education
UAE National Agenda Targets
OUTCOMES OF FIRST WORKSHOPS
JUNE 2014
101 SCHOOL LEADERS ATTENDED – FIRST TIME SUCH NUMBERS HAVE PARTICIPATED WITH A COMMON
GOAL
AS PER FEEDBACK SESSION, HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMON THREADS FROM THE GROUPS:
• Collaboration – starting the process
• Reading for fun (as well as reading for purpose)
• Preparation/exemplar material – raise the profile
• Importance of leadership – active, visible, instructional
• Develop professional leadership community
As well as these common themes there were further
points of discussion which will/could inform next steps:
Immediate
• Develop a skills based curriculum earlier in school (Primary Years)
• Develop appropriate and correct scientific and mathematical vocabulary from an early age
• Raise staff awareness – beyond only English, science and math teachers
• plan for the specific cohorts and raise awareness of the importance/agenda
Long term
• good quality contextual, real-life and deep learning to be a curriculum priority
• More sessions of this nature with a practical aspect e.g. Devising valid assessments and employing
benchmark levels
A focus on TIMSS and PISA
TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)
• An indicator that reflects the nation's ranking and score in the TIMSS test, which measure the math
and science skills of students in Grades 4 and 8 (Years 5 and 9).
• International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IAEAA)
• Current Rank 23 of 42
• Target: among the top 15 countries
A focus on TIMSS and PISA
PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)
• An indicator that reflects the country's ranking and scores in the PISA exam, which measures the
reading, mathematics and science skills of 15 year old students.
• Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Current Rank 46 of 65
• Target: among the top 20 countries
The TIMSS and PISA cycle
• TIMSS occurs every 4 years: 2015, 2019, 2023 …
• PISA occurs every 3 years: 2015, 2018, 2021…
• Results are typically obtained between 18 and 24 months later
• By 2021 we will have received the results of the 2018 PISA and 2019 TIMSS assessments
• In 2015, Science will be the main content domain for PISA
Targets to achieve this
• NATIONAL TARGETS
Year
Mathematics
Reading
Science
2012 (Current)
464 (L2)
468 (L2)
474 (L2)
2015
487 (L3)
491 (L3)
498 (L3)
2018
520 (L3)
520 (L3)
520 (L3)
Targets to achieve this
• SCHOOL LEVEL TARGETS (e.g.)
Year
Mathematics
Reading
Science
2012
501
534
535
2015
521
559
560
2018
541
569
580
…check your school’s 2012 report
What can we do for 2015?
• Curriculum modifications
• Adapted teaching methods
• Assessment methods and measures of progress
• Awareness of domains (strengths and weaknesses)
DSIB Inspectors will be focusing on school’s preparations to meet the requirements of the National
Agenda 2021 during their school visits this year
SOME USEFUL RESOURCES
• http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/publications/guidance/pisaguide/?lang=en
(Welsh Government guide to using PISA as a learning context)
• http://www.oecd.org/pisa/38709385.pdf (Science sample items)
• http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/pisa2012-2006-rel-items-maths-eng.pdf
• www.google.com and simply search for TIMSS or PISA released items
Please also share other resources and ideas with each other or contact David at hicksd@eischools.ae