The United Arab Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking diagnostic assessment system in public and private schools following the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum. This initiative, aimed at enhancing personalized learning, focuses on identifying individual student strengths and challenges early in the academic year. The system combines classroom-based evaluations with centralized diagnostic exams in core subjects—Arabic, English, and Mathematics—targeting approximately 26,000 students in Grades 4 to 11 during its initial phase. The assessment framework varies by grade level, with weightings adjusted to reflect developmental needs. For instance, Grades 1–2 rely entirely on school-based evaluations, while Cycle 3 students (Grades 9–11) have 60% of their assessments centralized. School leaders emphasize that the system provides teachers with immediate insights into student performance, enabling tailored instruction and targeted interventions. Principals like Shiny Davison of Woodlem Park School Hamidiya highlight the strategic integration of assessments into the academic schedule, supported by teacher training in data analysis. Similarly, Natalia Svetenok of Woodlem British School, Ajman, notes the alignment of diagnostic practices with national standards, ensuring every student is supported from day one. Parents will receive regular updates on their child’s progress, fostering a collaborative approach to education. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to data-driven, responsive teaching and improved student outcomes.
UAE: New assessments for Arabic, English, Math in schools; weightings explained
