After speaking to my contact Eric in Dubai, I was informed
that the inequity that he feels that the children face is proper funding to
support all children, not just those who are privileged. Eric stated that it is
very important for parents to enroll their children in a school that received
an outstanding or good rating. Most of the schools in these categories are
private schools. Because parents are anxious to get their children in these
schools, the schools have become overcrowded. There are waiting lists. One
parent has a child who is in nursery right now, and she placed her 20 month old
on a waiting list for one of the primary schools that received a rating of
outstanding. This is really a big deal. It is unfortunate that all children are
not afforded this type of luxury and are forced to attend our version of public
school. Children that attend these schools are automatically placed on an
academic pedestal and receive more opportunities for advancement when it comes
to college placement and even sports.
The officials are now planning to build more schools in
order to reduce the capacity of children in higher seeking facilities. A
nursery school has opened a class for one primary grade because of the overflow
of the waiting list. By 2024, there should be more schools and more room for
adequate placement. Also, one particular school on the outstanding list usually
enrolls children in the area automatically. They have been unable to
accommodate even those who are to be rightfully enrolled. What I do like about
the situation is that there is at least one school in each area that adheres to
the rollover program for children. It is good that those children have an
opportunity to attend a school with a good or outstanding rating.
Hi, Jackie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this update from Eric in Dubai. It is interesting to see how the inequity that he sees in Dubai is the same issue that many parents feel is facing them here in the United States. It does sound like the gap is even wider between the privileged and underprivileged in Dubai. Thank you for this interesting insight.
Thanks for sharing Jackie, I wonder what tools or resources they use to determine what schools are of quality and which ones aren't. I know Head Start and most day cares in the US use ITERS and ECERS.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing Jackie to have the ability to connect with someone so far away experiencing some of the many issues we face here in the states. Thank you for sharing the update and information.
ReplyDeleteEmily~