ADEK Clarifies School Funding for Mandatory Exams
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has recently issued important guidelines regarding the financial responsibilities associated with compulsory external assessments in schools. This clarification aims to ensure that schools, rather than parents, bear the costs of these assessments, which are essential for evaluating student progress and skills.
Understanding the Assessment Policy
ADEK’s updated policy emphasizes that all mandatory assessments, which include standardized and international exams, are designed to measure students’ learning and development. These assessments are developed by independent providers and are integral to fostering a data-driven educational environment.
By standardizing assessment data across Abu Dhabi’s diverse educational institutions, ADEK seeks to create a unified framework that enhances both student outcomes and overall institutional performance. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve educational quality across the emirate.
Registration and Fees
According to the new guidelines, schools are required to register all Cycle 3 students who qualify for international board exams based on their respective curricula. While schools can encourage high-achieving students to pursue advanced-level exams, they must also involve parents in the decision-making process. All communications and recommendations regarding these choices should be documented for transparency.
Schools may charge parents only for international board examinations in which students are officially registered. However, these fees must be clearly outlined on the school’s website, and any additional administrative fees must comply with ADEK’s regulations.
Study Leave and Academic Support
Cycle 3 students preparing for pre-college international exams may receive up to four weeks of study leave each academic year, pending ADEK approval. During this time, schools must remain operational to provide continuous academic support to students who do not take study leave. These absences will be officially recorded as authorized in the eSIS system.
Upholding Exam Integrity
ADEK has reiterated the importance of maintaining exam integrity in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2023, which addresses cheating and violations within the examination system. Schools are required to adhere to seven key principles aimed at preventing malpractice. These include educating students about academic honesty, ensuring proper testing conditions, and implementing systems to detect and manage cheating.
Students found guilty of misconduct will face disciplinary measures as outlined in ADEK’s student behavior policy. Additionally, any non-student involved in examination violations will be subject to penalties under federal law. Schools must also report all exam violations directly to ADEK to maintain compliance and uphold academic integrity throughout Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape.
FAQs
Who is responsible for paying for mandatory exams in Abu Dhabi schools?
Schools are responsible for covering all costs associated with mandatory external assessments, not parents.
How can parents be involved in the exam registration process?
Parents should be involved in the decision-making process regarding their child’s participation in advanced-level examinations, with all communications documented by the school.
What happens if a student is found cheating during an exam?
Students found guilty of cheating will face disciplinary action according to ADEK’s student behavior policy, while non-students involved will face penalties under federal law.
Conclusion
ADEK’s recent clarifications aim to ensure that schools take full responsibility for the costs of mandatory assessments while promoting academic integrity and transparency. Moving forward, schools must adhere to these guidelines to enhance the educational experience for all students in Abu Dhabi.
The guidelines issued by ADEK reflect a commitment to equitable access to education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder student participation in essential assessments. By mandating that schools absorb the costs associated with these exams, ADEK aims to create a more inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their financial background, can demonstrate their academic abilities.
Furthermore, the emphasis on transparency in communication between schools and parents is designed to foster a collaborative approach to education. This partnership is crucial, especially as students transition to higher levels of academic rigor and prepare for future educational opportunities. ADEK’s focus on maintaining exam integrity and compliance with federal laws underscores the importance of a fair and trustworthy assessment process, which is vital for the credibility of the educational system in Abu Dhabi.
Also Read:
UAE Implements New School Bus Access Regulations
