6 reasons for external evaluations for students of determination in Dubai private schools

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai revealed that there are six reasons that require conducting external evaluations for students of determination in Dubai private schools, to ensure the provision of effective and appropriate support.

The reasons include: persistent challenges in learning that cannot be fully addressed through residential school services, behavioral problems that require deeper understanding and specialized support, the presence of difficulties in the social and emotional aspects that affect the student’s integration and progress within the classroom, and the lack of clarity about the nature of the student’s educational difficulty in light of the discrepancy between his performance in the classroom and the results of school assessments, as well as suspicion of developmental or learning disabilities that require specialized diagnostic expertise, to ensure the development of an accurate and appropriate individual educational plan.

The authority said through a guide to guidelines and standards for using external evaluation reports for students with determination in private schools in Dubai, which Emirates Today reviewed: “The six reasons are an essential tool for developing individual educational interventions that support the development of the student’s abilities and enable him to learn in a comprehensive school environment that is responsive to his needs.”

She indicated that external evaluations provide an in-depth, multidisciplinary professional analysis that contributes to building individual educational plans based on clear scientific foundations, and helps in making accurate educational decisions, including determining the appropriate type of academic, behavioral, or therapeutic support.

She stressed that evaluations represent a pivotal tool for ensuring fair educational opportunities and promoting effective integration.

She stated that once the external evaluation is completed, the school takes the initiative to review the recommendations contained therein with the aim of translating them into applicable practices.

She explained: “The recommendations are included in the student’s individual education plan or support plans, ensuring that they are compatible with his educational needs and abilities within the classroom. In this context, schools work to provide the necessary training and professional support to educational staff, when needed, to ensure that the recommendations are understood and applied in a consistent and effective manner in the classroom environment. This approach aims to enhance the quality of educational interventions and achieve the best possible results for students, in a way that supports their academic and social integration in a sustainable manner.”

The authority stressed that resorting to external assessments is not a requirement for all students with special educational needs, as the majority of needs can be met through inclusive education services provided by schools, but they are usually requested in cases that require additional expertise to deal with complex or chronic educational challenges, ensuring the provision of more specialized support to the student.

She indicated that external evaluations may, in some cases, constitute important evidence for examination boards when considering granting students accommodation or allowing the use of assistive technology during exams. However, she stressed that determining the need for these arrangements is done on an individual basis for each student, and often requires documented evidence from the school and the external assessment provider, to ensure the fairness of the procedures and their suitability to the student’s actual needs.

The authority clarified that a medical diagnosis or external evaluation is not required for a student to be accepted into private schools or to enable him to obtain school support services, because his right to attend school and benefit from educational services is not linked to the submission of medical reports or prior external evaluations.

According to what is stipulated in parents’ contracts with schools, parents are required to disclose any previous assessments or diagnoses during the registration procedures, which contributes to early and effective planning of educational services and appropriate support for the student.

She pointed out that this measure aims to ensure the creation of an appropriate educational environment from the first day, and to enhance the quality of inclusive education in a way that meets students’ needs and supports their chances of academic success.