Evaluation Institute Releases Annual Report on Education in Schools of Qatar

Doha, April 01 (QNA) -The Evaluation Institute of the Supreme Education Council (SEC) has announced the release of its 9th Annual Report on Education in the Schools of the State of Qatar. The report provides data and information on many important aspects of schooling in Qatar, for the academic year 2012-2013, in addition to selected comparative data covering the years from 2011 to 2013. Director of the Evaluation Institute Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti said, "This new version of the report in its 9th consecutive year provides an objective view of the reality of education in the State of Qatar, as the report includes specific details about the entire educational process and its sectors. The updated information in the report about the schools, provide a good opportunity to analyze such information, engage in a dialogue and discussions to inform right decision making regarding intended educational development, which we all strive to make a true supporter of sustainable development in the country." She pointed out that the report provides summary information for educators and for those interested in education in the State of Qatar, about schools, principals, vice-principals, teachers, students and parents. The report provides latest data covering the academic years 2012/2013 by updating all information and data in the previous version of the academic year 2011/2012, giving important comparisons to a set of selected aspects of the academic years from 2011 till 2013 in addition to many important issues about schools, designed to provide readers with a clearer picture about the schools, allowing identification of differences between grades and types of school. The Director of the Evaluation Institute called on all educators, researchers and media personnel to review the report, which is available on SEC website, and make the most of it by thoroughly examining the valuable information and scientific indicators it contains, as well as conduct scientific studies and research and raise issues on the comprehensive information the report contains. She noted that the Evaluation Institute is keen to receive all comments and suggestions on the report; as such comments and feedback can enrich future publications of the Institute and promote continued partnership with the community and constructive cooperation for comprehensive educational development. For her part, Director of the School Evaluation Office Aysha Al-Hashemi said that this years report includes 234 tables and 79 charts that represent information about schools in general, and other information about each stage of education (primary, preparatory and secondary) and school type (Independent Schools, Private Arabic Schools, and International Schools). It also provides a comprehensive view of the important aspects of schools and education in the State. The report also includes a huge amount of data on: students, parents, teachers, principals school and leaders, educational services and facilities, evaluation of practices and teaching methods, homework and students academic achievement; in addition to other important information on trends in student behavior; parents interaction and participation in the schools, parents and students satisfaction with the various aspects across the school, as well as comparative information on selected aspects of the academic years from 2011 to 2013. The most important findings in the report across all schools in the State of Qatar are as follows: The average number of teaching hours per week is 21 hours in International schools, 16.5 in Private Arabic Schools, and 13.6 hours in Independent Schools. Teachers satisfaction with the level of their salaries in the schools 72% (85% in independent schools, 34% in International schools, and 23% in private Arabic schools). The average time spent by teachers in professional development during the year is 41 hours. The average number of books in the school library per student is 14.8 books. Students satisfaction with the variety of school activities is 61%. The average number of computers in the school 148.7 (177.1 computer devices in independent schools, 135 in International schools, and 31.8 in private Arabic schools). The average number of students per computer in the school 12.1 (23.9 students in private Arabic schools, 19.2 in International schools, and 7 in independent schools). Percentage of teachers who use computers in their teaching classes 100%. Students views about the number of hours they spent in doing their weekly homework 7.2 hours in the international school, 6.4 hours in Private Arabic schools, and 5.9 hours in Independent schools. Parents satisfaction about how schools dealing with their children 82%. The percentage of satisfaction about students behavior and discipline in the schools (94% for principals and 65% for teachers). Parents satisfaction about the quality of schools communication 71%. Parents satisfaction with the quality of education provided to their children 80%; and parents satisfaction with the quality of the curriculum 75%. The professional development hours are decreased from 54.1 hours in 2011 to 41 hours in 2013. The average years of teaching experience for teachers is 11.4 years. The percentage of students nationalities (45% Qataris, 35% Other Arabs, and 20% non-Arabs). The percentage of students who have learning difficulties or specific kind of disabilities 2%. The average number of students family members 7.4. The average annual expenses spent by the student family on education 13026 QR. The percentage of family members of students who have the educational resources (place /places dedicated for the student to study 86%, computer / computers 91%, availability of Internet services 92%, tutorials 28%). The percentages of schools that involve parents in the official committees, groups and councils 72%.(END)