6 tasks that parents are prohibited from assigning during distance learning

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has identified 6 tasks that private schools operating in the emirate are prohibited from assigning to students’ families during the application of distance learning, stressing that it is not permissible to ask parents to teach, explain, or re-present the academic content for which the school is responsible, and it is not permissible to oblige parents to supervise their children’s screen during classes (with the exception of safety requirements for the kindergarten stage), and it is not permissible to communicate with parents except between 3:30 and 8:00 pm GST time regarding academic matters. It is not permissible to ask parents to follow up on their children’s absences before the school implements its no-attendance protocol. It is not permissible to send multiple messages daily across multiple platforms. One main channel must be used for each family consistently. In addition, it is not permissible for parents to be assigned the tasks of supervising homework for students in the first cycle or above. Any assignment that requires the active participation of the parent to complete it is considered a flaw in the design of the assignment and must be redesigned.

The department explained, in the new distance learning policy, that what parents must commit to schools during the distance learning period is: ensuring the student’s attendance, readiness, and presence in an appropriate and relatively quiet environment at the beginning of the school day, responding to the school’s observations and concerns related to the student’s well-being within 24 hours, and providing appropriate supervision according to the student’s age, in addition to committing to supporting the student and the home learning environment, and fulfilling parental responsibilities in accordance with the Parents’ Code of Conduct for Distance Learning.