UAE tops Arab countries in international assessments

The report issued by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), which conducted both TIMSS and PIRLS assessments showed that Grade 8 students scored higher in Math and Science compared to Grade 4 students. In all areas, both Grade 4 and Grade 8 female students achieved higher scores compared to male learners.

The results were announced by H.E. Humaid Al Qatami, UAE Minister of Education (MoE), during a press conference held today in the presence of HE Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Ms. Fatima Ghanim Al Marri CEO of KHDA's Schools Agency, and a number of officials from MoE, ADEC and KHDA.

Mr. Al Qatami attributed the impressive development of education in UAE to the unlimited support dedicated to the education sector by H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, their Highnesses Members of the Federal Supreme Council, H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the follow up efforts by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

"The achievement of high scores in TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 is not the end. It is one of the key indicators used by MoE to assess the effectiveness of the educational system, development path and progress in implementing the initiatives of MoE in order to improve student learning outcomes. These results are a good start given the recent participation by UAE in international assessments," said the Minister.

He added: "It is of a paramount importance to maintain and foster the strong and strategic partnership between MoE, ADEC, KHDA, and other educational councils in UAE in order to join forces in enhancing student learning outcomes and elevate the quality of all educational components, particularly curriculum, teaching and assessment."

The Minister commended the role of zone and school management in preparing students for participation in these assessments. "We also thank teachers, supervisors and educators for their pivotal role at schools. Thanks are also due to parents who have been keen to have a better involvement in their children's education," he added.

Dr. Al Khaili congratulated the prudent leadership, educators and parents on their remarkable achievement, which stood out among 60 countries participating in TIMSS and 55 in PIRLS.

ADEC's participation in these assessments comes in line with its 10-year strategic plan, which aims to develop the educational system in accordance with highest international standards.

"By participating in the assessments, ADEC seeks to assess learning outcomes in our schools, develop educational policies and identify strengths and areas for improvement by comparing our student results with that of their peers in other countries worldwide. To achieve these goals, we focus on developing the problem solving, innovation and critical thinking skills," said Dr. Al Khaili.

The Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assesses Grade 4 and Grade8 students in mathematical and scientific literacy every four years and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assesses reading literacy at G4 level every five years.

Participating schools were randomly selected by IEA. A series of workshops were organized by ADEC for the public and private schools participating in the international assessments.

TIMSS and PIRLS were conducted in the participating schools from February 20 to April 25, 2011 as part of the regular school day. Both assessments do not need preparation as they asses the learning experiences and skills acquired by students at school and home. International quality controllers and inspectors were selected by IEA to visit the schools during the assessment period.