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Ministry of Education’s Social Media Sites Log Interactions with 26,000 Students and 40,000 Parents and Specialists

UAE, June 19, 2014 – More than 26,000, 12th grade students – nearly 70 percent of the total student candidates for the final high school exams – interacted on the social networking sites of the UAE Ministry of Education, During their first three days of exams, the young respondents actively answered an official Ministry questionnaire aimed at achieving overall satisfaction in the conduct of exams and the performance of examinees. The questionnaire, which also sought to obtain various observations and opinions from students, was posted on the Ministry’s Twitter and Facebook sites.

Official statistics also showed that over 40,000 parents and education specialists engaged with the Ministry’s media sites on a daily basis. From the start of the final exams for the third semester until the present, this particular group has kept pace with breaking news and information related to the examinations and disciplines. They also read through tips and guidance for students as well as other pedagogical subjects.
 

UAE Ministry of Education Facebook page.

The Ministry has provided unique ‘smart’ and electronic services before and during examination days targeted at all students but with a particular focus on 12th– graders. It has offered various forms of electronic training for all subjects to prepare students well for their exams. Telephone hotlines have also been made available in educational zones to respond to student inquiries as well as media questions related to the evaluation and administration of exams. The hotlines can also provide information on any comments received by the Ministry from media.

In return for the unique services it provides and its commitment to quality standards, the Ministry has asked 12th-grade students to answer a set of open questions posted on its Twitter and Facebook accounts. Respondents were requested to comment on the extent to which the exam considers individual differences, the time allotted to answer and review each exam item, their personal evaluation of the general environment provided by schools during exams, and the role of parents in motivating students to achieve success and excellence. Student expectations on results and success rates were asked as well.
Students expressed their satisfaction over the general atmosphere provided by the exams committees at schools. They also confirmed the Ministry’s success in ensuring that exam questions are clear – whether in terms of language or formulation – and consider individual differences. Other groups of students commented on how the examination dates coincided with the World Cup games.
Some humorous statements from students reflected their passion for sports and football, saying how they preferred to postpone exams and watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup matches instead. Other more serious comments showed the eagerness of students to take advantage of every minute for the final review and their expectations of excellent exam results.
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H.E. Humaid Al Qatami visits Dubai Schools to Inspect on Examination Procedures and Facilities

UAE Minister of Education stresses on importance of preparing for the future of today’s students by instilling more awareness on excellence and creativity
UAE, June 16, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, Minister of the UAE Ministry of Education stressed on the importance of instilling today’s students with more awareness on the importance of excellence and creativity – key foundations in preparing them for their future – during his recent visit to various schools in Dubai to inspect examination procedures and facilities allotted for students. Minister Al Qatami pointed out the significance of implementing thorough examination procedures along with the development of efficient examination papers, which has greatly helped in the ministry’s objective of identifying learning levels of each student and the skills that they have acquired. The administered examinations are used as key index points in evaluating the education process and interaction of each student from a classroom level.

 H.E. Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, Minister of the UAE Ministry of Education  – visiting school.

Minister Al Qatami lauded the ministry’s various departments, educational zones and the administrative officials of schools for their efforts in providing students with rooms that are conducive to executing the examinations for students. Moreover, he urged the students to continue with the drive to achieve success and practice a culture of excellence—adhering to the set curriculum and training programs offered by the MoE. He also reminded students to use only accredited and recognized literary materials in studying, particularly in preparation for their examinations.

H.E. Humaid Al Qatami visits Dubai school

Minister Al Qatami was accompanied by Mouna Ahmed, Deputy Manager of the Dubai Educational Zone during his visit to schools in the emirate, which included the Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls, the Al Maaref High School for Boys and the Sukaina Bint Hussein School for Girls. The minister was given a briefing on exam procedures and how the three schools will be administering the examinations. The Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls will also serve as an examination venue for students of Al Alam Al Jadeed School, while Al Maaref High School for Boys will serve as the examination venue for students from Al Ahlia School and Al Thuraya School.

On hand to meet Minister Al Qatami during the inspection were, school principals Salama Bu Shibab, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls; Mohammed Al Mass, Al Maaref High School for Boys and Sharifa Azzam, Sukaina Bint Hussein School for Girls. The MoE minister noticed that the students taking the examinations this year looked more determined and performed comfortably when moving from one question to another. 
A total of 37,000 high school students took their Physics and History examinations for the third trimester on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Looking to inspire the students before the actual examinations, Minister Al Qatami talked about the future, including the scientific disciplines required for sustainable development and the importance of success and excellence. He further encouraged them to use their talents and capabilities and to work hard to achieve a better future for them and for their country as they contribute in its growth and prosperity.
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Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program wins World Summit Award in Geneva

Ministry of Education says feat is an unprecedented international achievement
UAE, June 11, 2014 – The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, which aims to launch ‘smart classes’ in public schools in line with UAE Vision 2021, has won a World Summit Award during the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, which is being held under the patronage of the UN International Telecommunication Union. The program won recently in the team work category of the Government Excellence Award.

The program’s success was highlighted in international reports of major technological institutions that were published earlier this year during the Education World Forum in London. Reports made by leading technology and software companies Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Samsung showed that it is the first program applied comprehensively in schools based on the evaluation system and international measuring indexes. They said the UAE is the only country among 11 advanced states in the world that considers ‘smart learning’ as part of its national vision and move towards economic development.
The Smart Learning Program is created by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in mid-April 2012. It is considered as one of the unprecedented programs of development in the region. The program was implemented by 14 schools last year and 123 schools this year in different educational zones. Its successful implementation had encouraged leading computer and software companies such as Samsung, HP and Microsoft to form strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Education. The project is implemented by The Ministry of Education and supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program is the future of UAE’s education sector. It has been recognized at the Education World Forum in London as highly valuable. All other countries in the world should follow this achievement and benefit from its approach and goals. The success of this program reflects the strong commitment of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the members of the Federal Supreme Council,” he said.
“After winning the Government Excellence Award, the program became an international success thanks to the ongoing efforts and hard work of all teams in terms of planning and implementation. The teams are composed of directors of educational zones, school principals, supervisors, and teachers. Both parents and students are also supporting the program’s main objective to position the UAE as the leading country in providing excellent modern education,” he added.
H.E. Al Qatami said the Ministry of Education appreciates the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s strong support as it provides telecommunications sector development fund. He noted that it plays a significant role in the education system.
The awarding ceremony of the World Summit Award was attended by H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim, Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, H.E. Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Telecommunications and Information Technology Fund, Hamad Al Mansouri, Deputy Director-General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority,
Mohammed Gheyath, Director General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, and Rashid Bin Lahej, Director General of Abu Dhabi systems and Information Center. 
Mohammed Gheyath said: “The success achieved by the program in a short time is inspiring. The program management, team, and all officials are determined to further improve the program by exerting all efforts to attain our goals. The program will be implemented based on high standard mechanisms to achieve all the objectives.” 
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UAE Minister of Education Calls on Private Schools to Exert more Effort in Promoting Local Values and Traditions

UAE, June 8, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, has called on the private schools across all levels to exert more efforts in the move to promote UAE’s values and traditions in their respective communities. Al Qutami stressed the need to inculcate and educate the students about local traditions by integrating these values into the administrative procedures and celebratory events such as graduation ceremonies.

H.E. Al Qatami added that the Ministry of Education recognizes the private education sector as the government’s strategic partner in this endeavor. At the same time, he underscored the need for the entire education sector, including schools, to comply with all learning assets, concepts and principles that promote UAE’s development, heritage, and rich culture. He said the existing systems and processes must not compromise the values that should be taught to the youth.
Further, he said the ministry, through its designated and specialized management, will closely monitor any deviation from the country’s traditions and violations of the rules and regulations governing the school communities. He said the ministry will not tolerate any violation and it will apply the law and implementing regulations as necessary. Meanwhile, the ministry also extended their congratulations to this year’s batch of graduating students.
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Ministry of Education Honours the Winners of the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence 2014

UAE, June 4, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, affirmed the ministry’s continuing role in the development of the local educational system, abiding by the request of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the Supreme Council Members and rulers of the Emirates.

The statement of support was part of H.E. Al Qatami’s speech delivered during a ceremony honoring the winners of the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence 2014, which was organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), sponsored by DU Telcom and evaluated by Dubai Quality Group. During his speech, he also announced the new categories with a special program aimed at spreading the culture of quality and excellence among students. The program is also meant to motivate them to always aim for the top by giving their best in every endeavor.
H.E. Al Qatami said: “The initiative made by the Ministry of Education in its pursuit of development is a direct result of collective teamwork, creative thinking, and consistent efforts, while the achievements given by the Ministry to provide the best possible education and a good school role model is the direct result of the dedication and team spirit, bringing together those responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This gave the Ministry of Education the upper hand and a leading position. It won various awards and recognitions such as best government service via smartphones; the ‘Abnaee’ application; classification of center traders as a five-star service; the ‘Mohammed bin Rashid for Excellence in Government Performance’ awarded to team Mohammed bin Rashid for smart learning; and the ‘Prime Minister  Award’ given to Khawla Al Hosni. In addition, we also received the international prize of high-level strategic planning, and international award in networking social. All these recognitions showed the importance of sustaining our efforts towards our aim to become the most advanced and developed organization, with our ultimate goal of achieving global competitiveness.”
 “We still have a lot of work to do as we remain steadfast in our progress and continuously form strategic partnerships with national institutions such as DU Telecom and Dubai Quality Group. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to both organizations for supporting the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence. We congratulate all winners. Today, we celebrate the efforts of our employees across levels that have worked hard and performed well, which made them deserving to win the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence,” he added.
H.E. Marwan Al Sawaleh, MoE Undersecretary and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the award, said: “The number of contenders now doubled compared to the previous edition. This reflects our employees’ passion for excellence and commitment to deliver better education. In addition, we are eager to consistently improve the quality of our performance. The award was launched to promote the principles of excellence and the culture of quality and competitiveness within the ministry and its affiliates.”
He thanked DU for its full support that directly contributed to the attainment of the award’s objectives. He recognized everyone’s efforts, teamwork and cooperative spirit as well. He also expressed his appreciation to the administrations of the educational zones.
Speaking on the occasion, Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Commercial Officer, DU, said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Education for the second Emirates Award for Educational Excellence. We congratulate the winners from the educational institutions, faculties, and administrative personnel who contributed and still contributing to the strengthening of the UAE educational system.”
Al Hassawi added: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Education is part of our social responsibility to educate the young people as our future leaders and achieve sustainable development. We are one with the objectives of the award in its efforts to promote quality and high standards in various fields of the learning process. A strong educational system leads to the creation of a generation of skilled graduates, who will eventually become leaders in the various institutions of society.”
For their part, the honorees expressed their appreciation to the ministry. They also commended the MoE for its development initiatives which focus on strengthening the performance and skills of its human resources, encouraging teamwork and promoting a healthy work environment.
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British Orchard Nursery the First Pre-School to receive the Dubai Quality Awards

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 04 June 2014 – British Orchard Nursery was one of Dubai’s top performers who were honoured on Monday 2nd June for their outstanding pursuit of excellence. H. H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai along with H. H Shekh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and H. H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the 20th anniversary of the Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai and conferred the awards to the winners.

British Orchard Nursery was awarded the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award (DQAA) and Dubai Human Development Appreciation Award (DHDAA) in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in the education sector—the first awards to be conferred on the pre-primary sector on quality and human Development.
H. H. Shekh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoumand Ms  Vandana Gandhi

Ms. Vandana Gandhi, CEO and founder of British Orchard Nursery received the awards and expressed her sincere gratitude saying “I am honoured and thankful to the UAE Government and the visionary rulers for this recognition. We are humbled at this salutation of our vision, passion, commitment and teamwork. As a pre-school catering to the extended community, it only inspires us to do better. Our sincere thanks to our esteemed parents and children, business partners, team members and associates who contributed towards making this high value recognition possible,” she concluded.

Mohammed Bushanain, Corporate Quality & Management Excellence, DED, commented “The Business Excellence Awards provide a reliable and transparent framework for public and private sector firms to benchmark their best practices and advance to higher levels of competitiveness and customer satisfaction in the true spirit of healthy competition. Applicants and their best practices are measured against internationally recognised criteria such as the EFQM a quality management model and RADAR methodology. “
British Orchard Nursery also being the first pre-school in the middle-east to be ISO Quality certified,  has branches across the UAE and has pioneered the concept of corporate franchising by forming partnerships with many Government institutions in the UAE which includes Dubai Municipality, RTA, DEWA, Dubai Women’s College and ADCO in line with UAE’s vision 2020.
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Participants from the Ministry of Education’s School Leadership Programme put Theory into Practice at Workshop

Dubai School Experiences Best Practice in Teacher Leadership
Dubai, UAE, 8 May 2014 – Educators engaged in the UAE Ministry of Education’s school leadership programme have heard from teacher professional development experts at an event held at Jumeriah English Speaking School (JESS). The participants of the School Leadership Programme (SLP) came from across the Emirates to witness international best practice in teacher leadership. The event provided SLP learners with an excellent example of how a high-performing school operates on a day to day level.
Participants also took part in a forum led by a number of education specialists, including representatives of the world’s largest learning company, Pearson.  Amanda Collins, Pearson’s Professional Development Director in the region, said the event provided a unique opportunity for programme participants to see first-hand how the theory they had learnt throughout the multi-dimensional school improvement programme could be applied in real-life classroom and administrative scenarios.
“A key focus of the School Leadership Programme, which is a joint initiative of Pearson and the UAE Government, is to provide a highly engaging and hands-on professional learning experience for the Emirates’ existing and future school leaders. Our research has shown that the most effective school leadership programmes are those that make practical learning a priority. In order to engage in critical inquiry and reflection, leaders need multiple opportunities to observe powerful, effective practice in action”.
A number of education specialists presented at the event, including Pearson’s Global Head of Direct Delivery, Steven Guttentag; JESS Director, Robert Stokoe; JESS Head Teacher, Ruth Burke; CEO of Taleem, Dr Samia Al Farra and CEO of the Indian High School, Dr Ashok Kumar.
Ms Collins said the event was a great opportunity to emphasise the importance of school leadership to the futures of learners currently in the UAE school system:
“A 2010 report by McKinsey and Company, and co-authored by Pearson’s Chief Education Strategist, Sir Michael Barber, found that good schools depend on good leaders. Capturing the Leadership Premium, which contained an international review of school leadership practices from some of the world’s leading education systems, found that aside from classroom practices which promote strong learner outcomes, nothing has a bigger impact on improving school standards than leadership. So if we are serious about improving learner outcomes in the UAE – which we are – we need to enhance leadership practice.”
The research contained in the Capturing the Leadership Premium drew on the resources of Britain’s National College for Leadership of Schools (NCLS), the organisation that has also been responsible for developing course resources for the MOE’s school leadership programme. Launched in 2013, the UAE School Leadership Programme, a flagship initiative of the UAE Government’s education reform agenda, will serve more than 700 Emirati educators, principals and administrators over the next five years.
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com.
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Pearson-Intel White Paper on Digital Learning Holds Lessons for UAE

  Report helps educators uncover the most effective ways to transform learning through technology
Dubai, UAE, 29 April 2014 – A new report from two of the world’s most respected learning organisations outlines how personalised, one-to-one learning environments can transform the educational outcomes of students in the Arab world.
Dr Michelle Selinger, co-author of the 2014 Intel-Pearson white paper, Realising the Potential of Every Learner: Advancing Toward Personalised One-to-One Learning, has visited the UAE where she has called on educators to embrace the learning opportunities presented by the latest technological innovations.
The research presented in the Intel-Pearson White Paper demonstrates the potential of personalised, one-to-one learning to help improve educational outcomes and prepare students and societies for success in a 21st century, global community. However, according to Dr Selinger, who is also CEO of Britain’s ConsultEdu, achieving such outcomes is not always simple or straight-forward, she says:
“Educators understand that technology-rich, personalised learning environments allow learners to develop the skills, knowledge and social capabilities necessary to participate in a future global workforce. However, the creation of such learning environments is fraught with challenges – leaving many educators wanting to utilise the latest and most effective digital solutions, but unsure about how or where to start”.
According to the Intel-Pearson report, a successful digital transformation in an educational environment relies on several factors, including:
  • Quality teacher professional development that gives teachers the skills they need to utilise the technology to the benefit of their students.
  • Planning and project management that ensures resources are allocated in the right place at the time.
  • Robust hardware and networking infrastructure and a strong deployment plan and schedule that allows for both infrastructure and devices to meet schools’ demand for services; and
  • Technology choices that are driven by educational requirements, including the need for reliable devices, strong data security and reliable internet access.
The report holds significance for the Gulf region, where spending on digital education initiatives is high by international standards. The UAE Government, for example, has committed to providing all kindergarten to year 12 state school learners with tablet devices and digital learning content by 2017 through the Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme.
Dr Selinger says that it will be largely left to teachers to ensure that this widespread deployment of digital technology in the region leads to an improvement in student outcomes. She says it is therefore of critical importance that teachers are given the training and support needed to create dynamic and engaging digital learning environments.
“The important question that we must ask ourselves as policy makers is how do we empower our teachers to move confidently from traditional learning models to innovative learning environments personalised to the needs of each and every student? A successful and well-supported professional development model can help to create teachers who inspire student learning, creativity and innovation. Such a model should also encourage school leaders to understand the implications of personalised learning and ensure the conditions for teachers to be empowered by technology in their teaching are in place. These factors will lie at the heart of successful transformations to digital learning environments both here in the GCC and right around the world”.
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com.
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UAE Ministry of Education Successfully Holds Preliminary Round of Girls Swimming Championship of 2nd School Olympics

Ministry provides highly supportive environment for athletically gifted students
UAE, April 27, 2014 – The UAE Ministry of Education successfully will host today (Monday 28 April 2014) the preliminary round of the girls swimming championship for the 2ndSchool Olympics. The event will be held at the RAK Educational Swimming Pool Hall, included the participation of 72 female students from the 9 to 12 year-old range; coming from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and East Sharjah. The girls swimming championship featured categories like the 25-meter freestyle competitions, 25 meters back and the 4 × 25-meter freestyle.

Supervised by Amina Al-Sakab, Head of Environment and School Activities Department, Ras Al Khaimah Educational District, said: “The project is a ‘dream’ event that is expected to teach our young athletes on the importance of practicing excellent sportsmanship and honing their ability to compete with the strongest-preparing them to win Olympic International medals in the future. Our students at Ras Al Khaimah are steady and ready for contributing in the success of the swimming championships.”
Sumaya Abdullah Harib Al Suwaidi, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Educational District, stressed on the significance of the School Olympics, a program that was implemented across the public school sector last year. She noted that the program is one of the most important initiatives that began with the blessing and the embodiment of the government vision and was made even stronger with the MoE’s support for the project.
Al Suwaidi said: “The School Olympics program is considered to be one of the pioneering initiatives that we hope to achieve positive results in the regional and international sports forums. The first edition of the School Olympics held last year, saw successful efforts of all those who worked in terms of organization and supervision of the project, especially in light of the circumstances that accompanied the launch of the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, the Boys swimming championship will kick off on Tuesday (April 29, 2014) in Dubai Educational Zone and will be hosted by Al Wasl Sports Club. The Boys category will include 25 meters freestyle, 25 meters back and relay 4 × 25 meters.
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American Curriculum Schools in Arab Region Adapt to New US Science Education Standards

Gulf Educators Embrace New American School Science Standards
   
Dubai, UAE, 28 April 2014 – Educators from American curriculum schools across the region have gathered in Dubai to learn how new standards governing science education in the US will impact on the learning outcomes of their students.
In April 2013, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were released in all American states, with the goal of providing students with an internationally benchmarked science education. The NGSS have had a profound impact in schools across the United States, which up until the release of the NGSS were governed by science specifications dictated by individual state education ministries.
American curriculum schools across the Arab world have been implementing the standards over recent months, a process which has been demanding at times for teachers and principals. The goal of the Dubai event, which was led by developers of the NGSS, was to provide these educators with professional development training designed to maximise the benefits of the NGSS and ensure schools undergo a smooth transition to the new curriculum.
The NGSS were designed to not only foster consistency across all American schools, but to ensure the American science curriculum is up-to-date with the most recent innovations and discoveries in the rapidly changing fields of science and technology. The standards were developed after concerns in the US that the science curriculum was failing to keep pace with the demands of a modern, globally-orientated workforce. Effective science education has been linked to America’s ability to foster an educated society and retain a competitive edge across a range of industries. A 2007 Carnegie Foundation Commission report that was an impetus for the reforms concluded that the country’s “capacity to innovate for economic growth and the ability for American workers to thrive in the modern workforce depend on a broad foundation of math and science”.
Participants at the Dubai event which was held at the American Collegiate school, were told of the important role science education would play in securing the long-term economic future of the Arab region. Karim Daoud, Managing Director of Pearson Middle East, a sponsor of the event said:
“A first rate science curriculum based on standards that are content rich and supported by excellent pedagogy, assessment and teacher training is critical to a country’s ability to perform competitively in the global market place. Access to a solid science education is necessary for a student who wants to study science at a university level or pursue a career in one of the many industries founded on scientific principles. A great deal of work opportunities in today’s fast-paced economy depend on a superior science education, making it crucial that we support strong science learning in our schools”.
Amanda Collins, the Director of Professional Development at Pearson Middle East, believes that providing quality teacher training opportunities is key to making certain the new standards are implemented effectively, and have a positive impact on the learning outcomes of students in American curriculum schools.
“Offering professional development to teachers working in American curriculum schools in the Gulf region will help them understand how to take full advantage of the NGSS in their classrooms and give their learners a firm understanding of key scientific principals and theories. The NGSS have been designed so that they are embedded with learning that promotes 21stcentury skills such as communication, critical thinking and team work – employability skills that are necessary for success in any career, regardless of industry or profession. This is why it is important that we give teachers tools to actively engage with the NGSS and provide an outstanding science education to their students”.
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com.