Policy Brief from the Dubai School of Government, by Rabaa Al Sumaiti, Bilingual Inspector at KHDA.
The Dubai School of Government recently issued a Policy Brief entitled, Parental Involvement in the Education of Their Children in Dubai. While the brief is focused on Dubai, the ‘Policy Recommendations’ underline key practices which are already in place in all GEMS UAE schools.
Among the five Policy Recommendations for expanding the role of parents in the education of their children are:
- Raise awareness of the role of parents
- Encourage parents to take an active interest in the education of their children
- Encourage schools to increase their engagement with parents
GEMS Education has been actively raising awareness and encouraging parents to engage in their children’s learning since it initiated the Parental Engagement programme in all UAE schools in 2009. Each GEMS school demonstrates this priority through ongoing individual Parental Engagement programmes, tailored to the needs and characteristics of the community.
The Brief specifically mentions the strides GEMS has made in Parental Engagement, such as the annual celebration of family learning called “GEMS Parental Engagement Week,” use of guest speakers and current research to educate parents, and the practical solutions shared on the dedicated parent Web site – learnaspirebe.com. This foundation is the result of strong corporate support and dedicated management, which ensure consistency and quality assurance.
We are very pleased that the GEMS Parental Engagement programme and members of the GEMS Parental Engagement Global Advisory Group are referenced in local Policy Brief. More importantly, we are confident the programme has positively impacted student achievement and will make a difference in our families. This remains our goal, as we continue to develop the powerful role of parents in their children’s education.
