المملكة: Education: “Integrated schools” are a national model, not a copy of experiences

The Ministry of Educationthat the «Integrated Schools” is based on international best practices, stressing its compatibility with the Saudi environment and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to raise the quality of education and its governance away from copying.

The Public Education Agency explained that building the model was based on a scientific methodology that included analyzing studies and educational literature, and making accurate standard comparisons. Pointing out that the goal is to design a national model that preserves the specificity of the Saudi educational system and leads to school improvement in a sustainable and practical manner.

In its review of international references, the Ministry pointed out that it should benefit from the experience of “UNESCO” by adopting the concept of School gatherings to reduce isolation and share resources effectively. She added that the model was inspired by the principles of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in establishing clear governance, and creating the role of the general supervisor of the school group based on unified data and performance indicators.

She pointed to relying on the results of the international “Thales” study to create professional learning communities that ensure continuous guidance within the school environment. Pointing out that the Singaporean experience contributed to focusing on preparing school leaders, creating the role of the first teacher, and linking development plans to the actual need of the field.

The Ministry stated that the British experience inspired the model to enhance institutional cooperation and collective planning instead of competition. While Estonia’s experience was reflected in consolidating the concept of educational justice, and directing financial and human support based on accurate data and the varying needs of schools.

The Ministry of Education stressed that the success of this transformation does not depend on the literal transfer of experiences, but rather on structural and administrative redesign. Noting that the new organization is comprehensively integrated with the human capacity development program, in an effort to raise the efficiency of the educational system in accordance with approved national policies.