Abu Dhabi schools liable 'to pay for ADEK-mandated evaluations'

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that Schools shall be responsible for all costs associated with the administration of any ADEK-mandated external assessments (SBAs).

Schools are not authorised to charge separate assessment fees to parents.

Designed by an external provider, these assessments measure students' learning, achievement, skill development, values and attitudes. They include standardised assessments, international assessments, board exams and other pre-college tests.

Prominent Methods

In its updated Schools Policy on Assessment, the ADEK explained that assessments are among the most prominent tools used in educational development.

They contribute to building a culture based on the use of data and evidence to evaluate and improve the performance of students, staff and schools. Standardising assessment data in a multicultural school environment such as that in Abu Dhabi enables a shared basis for change to be established.

It was noted that, in line with the requirements of the applicable curriculum, schools must register all third-cycle students who qualify for examinations set by international examination boards.

They must also encourage outstanding students to advance to the highest levels of these examinations, communicate with parents, involve them in the process and encourage their children to pursue this option. They must also document all communication, recommendations and the final decision made by the students and their parents.

International Examinations

The ADEK has confirmed that schools may collect fees from parents for international examination boards that students are registered with. These fees must be published on the school's website, in accordance with the price quote provided by the service provider. Schools may also charge administrative fees in accordance with the Department's policy.

Subject to ADEK's approval, schools are authorised to grant eligible third-cycle students up to four weeks of study leave per year to prepare for international pre-college examinations. Study leave days are recorded in the eSlS system as authorised absences, in line with the department's policy. Schools must remain open for learning during the study leave period and provide adequate support for students who do not take leave.

Misconduct

Regarding misconduct during examinations, the department emphasised that schools must comply with the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2023 to combat cheating and disruption to the examination system. The Department identified seven key elements that must be adhered to in order to combat cheating and disruption to the examination system.

These elements are: educating students about the importance of refraining from cheating and maintaining academic integrity at all times, ensuring an appropriate physical environment for conducting examinations in a reliable and transparent manner, such as providing adequate lighting and spacing seats appropriately, training exam invigilators to perform their duties professionally and identify potential cases of cheating.

Mechanisms and procedures must also be put in place to identify and address cheating and other violations during exams. Students found to be engaging in misconduct will be subject to the penalties outlined in the ADEK's Student Conduct Policy in Schools. Anyone other than a student who commits misconduct during an exam will be subject to the penalties outlined in the relevant legislation. Schools must ensure that any exam violations are recorded and reported to the ADEK.