FAQs

1. What is the role of the Evaluation Institute in evaluating private schools?

   The Evaluation Institute ensures that schools are accountable for the quality of education they provide. The Evaluation Institute also helps enhance schools’ use of educational data and evaluation in monitoring and developing their own performance. Private schools will have to participate in the Evaluation Institute activities, such as; Enumeration, School Report Cards, National Assessment and/or International Exams.

2. How will the PSO ensure that private schools are meeting the needs of children with special needs?

   Private schools that have students with Additional Educational Support Needs (AESN) need to comply with several conditions set forth by the SEC. First, the schools must assure the SEC that their curricula takes into account and meets the diverse needs, interests and learning styles of these students, and celebrates their achievements and progress. Schools must also provide the SEC with a description of the educational and social programs offered to students with AESN. They must also provide a description of the types of facilities and services offered to these students.

3. Why must every private school have a board of trustees?

   All schools should form an elected Board of Trustees who can represent parents and the school community. All members should participate on a voluntary basis, support school goals, provide guidance to the school principal, help monitor school performance and play a key role in solving problems raised by the community.

4. What must private schools do to comply with school building requirements?

   By the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year, the Shared Services Department (SSD) of the SEC will monitor schools to assure their compliance with specifications and requirements for schools buildings. The SSD will conduct a comprehensive survey of all school buildings and prepare reports about any weaknesses. These reports will be sent to the schools, who will be asked to develop action plans to address any issues.

5. What must private schools do to comply with academic standards?

   First, private schools should contact the Curriculum Standards Office of the SEC to acquire the Qatari Curriculum Standards documentation. Schools will need to provide both their educational plans and evidence of implementation of the standards. Student achievement will also be measured as the SEC reviews each school’s National Comprehensive Examinations.