Inclusive Education Policy Framework Noora Al Saadi Knowledge

Inclusive Education Policy Framework Noora Al. Saadi Knowledge and Human Development Authority United Arab Emirates - Dubai System-wide approaches to embedding inclusive education 19 th February 2020

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Background TOGETHER FOR A DISABILITY-FRIENDLY CITY GOALS: Quality Health and Rehabilitation Services Quality assurance Inclusive Education Equal access to education Equal Employment Opportunities Engagement of the community Sustainable Social Protection System Universal Accessibility

Educational landscape in Dubai private schools 208 Private schools 15 Curricula 295, 148 Students 173 Different nationalities

Development phases (2015 - 2016) Preliminary research International benchmarking Stakeholder engagement Scoping exercise Situation analysis Policy recommendation and plan of action Gaps and barriers: • Awareness • Admission and access • Identification and intervention • Quality of provision • Further education and employment

Inclusive Education Policy framework standards 10 standards 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Identification Admissions & Equity Leadership and Accountability Systems of Support Centres as a Resource for Inclusive Education 6. Co-operation and Partnerships 7. Fostering a Culture of Inclusive Education 8. Monitoring & Evaluation 9. Resourcing 10. Vocational Training, Higher Education and Post-school Employment Released in

Improvement in inclusive education 2014 -2015 2018 -2019 % of good or better schools 85% 74% 67% 55% 46% 41% 61% 35% 66% 38% Support and Progress Leadershi Identification Parents involvement modification 71% 39% Overall provision

Positive impact on community Increased number of students of determination accessing high quality education Increased parents satisfaction with the overall provision provided for their children of determination in Dubai private schools

Sustainability and resourcing Promoting Sustainability Enabling Dedicated Resourcing • Requirement for the approval of new school applications • Inclusive education improvement plans • The introduction of an inclusion support team, mandatory for every school, and led by the principal • Introduced an ‘individual service agreement process’, to be monitored by KHDA • ‘Governor for inclusive education’ I required within every school • Introduction of a ‘standard service for students of determination’ in every school across Dubai • A high priority quality indicators with school inspection processes • Dedicated operational budget

Next steps Awareness Guide for parents Guide for Early Childhood Education and Care Guide for higher education Regulations Capacity building A policy for alternative education pathways Inclusive education toolkit for schools Compliance mechanism in schools