In a recent announcement KHDA announced that students in private schools in Dubai can chose to continue with 100 per cent online classes instead of sending them to school when the new academic year starts. The announcement comes after Abu Dhabi announced to follow distance learning for the next term.
KHDA said schools can “as a temporary measure” provide distance learning to students whose parents request it. KHDA in its announcement said:
“While face-to-face learning remains the preferred education model, we understand that different parents have different views, especially in the first phases of re-opening. As a temporary measure, schools can and should provide 100 per cent distance learning provision in the new academic year to parents who request it. This is intended to help ease parents and children into an eventual return to face-to-face learning.”
However, the temporary period was not specified clearly. Announcement about private schools in Sharjah and public schools in the UAE is awaited.
Abu Dhabi Students Can Choose Distance Learning For Upcoming Term
On July 21, Adek announced the reopening of schools from 30 August. As per the announcement, children in the emirate will return to school for the next academic year. However, on 2 August, Adek said that students will have the option to continue distance learning for the upcoming term.
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The new move came in place after a majority of the parents opted for the kids to continue distance learning. Taking this into account, Adek has approved the option of full-time distance learning for the upcoming term. Adek has also provided a dedicated a hotline which parents can use to address concerns: 800-COMPLIANC(E)/800-266754262. The previous term was also carried out through distance learning.
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Findings From A Parents Survey
Last month, Adek had approved children’s return to school after a survey indicated that 45% parents were ready to send their kids too school. However, ever since then there has been a lot of reservations and many parents expressed their concerns, especially about younger kids. Parents also expressed concern about scheduling and conducting Covid tests, which is a mandate for kids to return to school in the emirate. Meanwhile, here are 10 Reasons Why Your High School Friends Are Your Lifelong Friends.
Is Home Schooling Permitted In Abu Dhabi?
Due to increasing concerns, some parents had considered pulling their kids out of school and homeschooling them for the next term. However, Adek had previously warned parents that it is mandatory for all children of school-going age to be enrolled in school for Academic Year 2020/21.
“If you choose not to enroll your child in a school, and instead homeschool him/her, you take the risk that your child will need to repeat the grade once he is back in the system,” Adek said in a statement.
Distance learning therefore looks like the best bet for families who are keen in continuing their kid’s education during the pandemic. Additionally, Adek also added that distance learning will not affect school fees in the upcoming term.
First Published: August 05, 2020 9:25 PM