Dubai’s private education sector is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to inclusive learning, moving beyond theoretical principles to implement concrete support systems for Students of Determination. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced comprehensive updated guidelines governing external assessments for children with special educational needs, establishing a framework that prioritizes equity over mere equality.
The revised standards emphasize personalized support tailored to each child’s unique requirements rather than attempting to fit diverse learners into standardized molds. At the core of this educational philosophy lies the recognition that inclusion means providing every student with the specific resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
External assessments, conducted by qualified specialists licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Community Development Authority (CDA), serve as diagnostic tools to better understand how children learn, communicate, and manage emotions. These evaluations involve professionals including psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists, depending on individual needs.
Schools follow a structured eight-step process when considering external assessments, beginning with initial observation and progressing through in-school evaluation, additional support implementation, formal review, and only then—if necessary—recommending external assessment with mandatory parental consent. The process emphasizes collaboration between educators and families, with parents participating as essential partners throughout the journey.
The guidelines establish clear parental rights, including involvement from the earliest stages, transparent communication, input in specialist selection, cost disclosure, and participation in developing individualized education plans. Confidentiality protocols ensure assessment reports remain securely stored with restricted access, requiring parental permission for sharing beyond essential educational staff and authorities.
For families who disagree with assessment recommendations, the framework provides escalation pathways to KHDA while maintaining parental authority. The system also includes mechanisms to address schools that fail to follow proper procedures, with dedicated channels for resolution through KHDA’s Parent Empowerment and Inclusion teams.
This progressive approach reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to ensuring learning differences never become barriers to education, focusing on understanding each child’s potential rather than limiting them with labels.