Public school students to sit for centralised smart tests

ABU DHABI: The Ministry of Education, MOE, has approved the schedule for centralised smart tests for the third semester of the current academic year for government schools.

The tests, which are part of distance learning and smart learning, will start on 4th May and will be short and alternate to the end-of-term examinations for Grades 4 to 11. Grade 12 students will sit for centralised short tests in addition to the end-of-year exam.

In case of an emergency, should students experience certain difficulties preventing them from attending the main test, the ministry will conduct another centralised “make-up’’ test.

In April, the ministry carried out an online pilot programme to test the effectiveness of the electronic testing system for public schools.

The ministry said that the initial mandatory testing was conducted for Grades 5 to 12.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Education launched the “Sanadcom” initiative for children of the medical, administrative, and nursing staff working in the country, and who are the first line of defence against COVID-19, to promote their academic progress and meet all their technical and psychological requirements, as their parents are busy fighting the pandemic.

This initiative, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, embodies the principle of partnership and social responsibility shared by various institutions nationwide to support medical workers in the country fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

The Ministry of Education will determine the number of students from the medical, administrative, and nursing staff in the country by distributing an introductory form in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Teachers, technical cadres, and psychological counsellors will be hired to ensure students have access to high-quality education. Volunteering through the “Teach for UAE” platform will also be open to attract those willing to contribute to this distinguished educational and humanitarian effort

Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Care and Activities Sector, said that the initiative is a continuation of the various efforts of government institutions, especially those working in the health sector. It will ensure that children of medical workers get quality education, just like other students, through the smart distance learning system that the ministry has implemented since the crisis began.

She clarified that the initiative addresses three parts, the first of which is providing academic support to students by a group of teachers. The second aims at simulating technical support for students and providing all their needs such as tablets and other tools necessary to continue their education, while the third involves providing psychological support to students by qualified specialists.