How to succeed at education reform: The case for Saudi Arabia and the greater GCC region (page 1 of 2)

Strategizing for education, the research found, has been a central policy in the GCC over the past four decades with a series of development plans in which education plays an integral part.

Expenditure on education is comparable to the most advanced economies, although return on education investment is still relatively limited. At the pre-tertiary level, low scores in international tests such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), show that GCC countries need to focus their curriculum more on mathematics and sciences and ensure that teaching quality is up to international best standards.

"In a recent test, some GCC countries ranked well below the world average score," said Hatem Samman, the Lead Economist at Booz Allen Hamilton's Ideation Center. "Other indicators such as illiteracy rates are also cause for concern in several GCC countries. These illiteracy levels can mean negative ramifications for the GCC region's economies," he added.

At the higher education level in the GCC, the majority of university students graduate in the fields of humanities and social sciences, while science and technology graduates—which are in high demand--are a minority.

At the macro economic level, unemployment among GCC nationals continues to be in the double digits - caused in good measure by inadequate education. Recent unemployment figures show unemployment levels in Oman and Bahrain at 17.5%, while those for Saudi Arabia and the UAE hover at 12% and 11.4% respectively.

"Our research on business professionals' perceptions shows that often, graduates are not sufficiently skilled to hold jobs, nor motivated enough to commit to them. In addition, business leaders complain about the inability of the current education system throughout the GCC—with its different organizations and infrastructure—to respond in a timely manner to changing business needs, indicating the need for a comprehensive reform of the educational system," states Nabih Maroun, Vice President with Booz Allen Hamilton.

The Booz Allen Hamilton's research has identified a three-dimensional framework for success in education reform, based on best international practices of countries like Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Ireland among others. A holistic approach within this framework is central for success.

A summary of the research findings for successful education reform follows below:

1. An Education Reform Strategy linked to social and economic priorities. Booz Allen Hamilton's research shows that countries that succeeded in reforming their education systems made changes over time, according to their social and economic conditions. Successful educational reform was achieved through four key factors: relevant stakeholders were involved in the strategy formulation process, including the business community, labor departments, families, and local groups. Secondly, realistic targets were set aimed at achieving major milestones.

"In addition, providing a transparent assessment of the strategy process for all stakeholders to see, participate in, and discuss and then garnering support among stakeholders, ensured the success of the strategy," commented Maroun.

2. An Education-Sector Operating Model, which works to sustain the strategic reform plan through the creation of three main functionalities.