Abu Dhabi schools told to prepare a report for each student every semester

The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has affirmed that schools are required to prepare an official report for each student at least once per semester to be delivered to parents in a safe and effective manner.

It stressed the necessity for these reports to include accurate information about the grade, attendance, academic progress, proposed learning objectives and details about behaviour and community engagement within the school.

Student performance reports represent a pivotal tool in the education system, as they are official written records through which teachers communicate with parents, enabling them to directly monitor their children’s academic performance and school behavior, it said.

ADEK indicated that the student performance reporting policy falls within the framework of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the quality of education and promoting transparency between schools and parents, thereby contributing to building a partnership based on trust and co-operation.

It explained that these reports not only display a student’s grades, but rather provide as well a comprehensive picture of their achievements, strengths and areas that need improvement.

They also monitor their attendance, participation in extracurricular activities, achievements on standardised tests, qualitative observations about their academic development and clear educational goals that help them improve their performance in the future, it said.

ADEK noted that reporting must take into account individual differences among students, while allowing teachers the opportunity to include detailed notes that qualitatively reflect the student’s level. This gives parents a clearer view of their children’s performance and enhances opportunities for family follow-up and support, it said.

Sharing performance reports can be done through modern digital means, such as email or online platforms, in addition to face-to-face meetings between the school and parents, allowing for a broader discussion about academic progress and future improvement plans, it added.

It underlined the importance of holding regular meetings between parents and teachers at least once per semester to discuss the reports and answer families’ questions.

ADEK stated that student performance reports represent a strategic tool that reflects schools' commitment to improving the quality of education.

The reports are not merely routine documents, but rather an effective means of encouraging co-operation between schools and families and ensuring that students enjoy a stimulating learning environment that contributes to honing their skills and achieving their academic and personal aspirations, it added.