1. What WORKS September 2014 UAE National Agenda
“Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth”
What WORKS September 2014
UAE National Agenda

2. What is the National Agenda?
In 2021 the UAE will celebrate its 50th anniversary as a Nation
2020 will have seen us host the EXPO 2020
By 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has set the country ambitious targets including some which are predominantly linked to education

3. UAE National Agenda Targets

4. Outcomes of First workshops
June 2014
101 School leaders attended – first time such numbers have participated with a common goal
As per feedback session, here are some of the common threads from the groups:
Collaboration – starting the process
Reading for fun (as well as reading for purpose)
Preparation/exemplar material – raise the profile
Importance of leadership – active, visible, instructional
Develop professional leadership community

5. As well as these common themes there were further points of discussion which will/could inform next steps:
Immediate
Develop a skills based curriculum earlier in school (Primary Years)
Develop appropriate and correct scientific and mathematical vocabulary from an early age
Raise staff awareness – beyond only English, science and math teachers
plan for the specific cohorts and raise awareness of the importance/agenda
Long term
good quality contextual, real-life and deep learning to be a curriculum priority
More sessions of this nature with a practical aspect e.g. Devising valid assessments and employing benchmark levels

6. A focus on TIMSS and PISA
TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)
An indicator that reflects the nation's ranking and score in the TIMSS test, which measure the math and science skills of students in Grades 4 and 8 (Years 5 and 9).
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IAEAA)
Current Rank 23 of 42
Target: among the top 15 countries

7. A focus on TIMSS and PISA
PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)
An indicator that reflects the country's ranking and scores in the PISA exam, which measures the reading, mathematics and science skills of 15 year old students.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Current Rank 46 of 65
Target: among the top 20 countries

8. The TIMSS and PISA cycle
TIMSS occurs every 4 years: 2015, 2019, 2023 …
PISA occurs every 3 years: 2015, 2018, 2021…
Results are typically obtained between 18 and 24 months later
By 2021 we will have received the results of the 2018 PISA and 2019 TIMSS assessments
In 2015, Science will be the main content domain for PISA

9. Targets to achieve this
National Targets
Year
Mathematics
Reading
Science
2012 (Current)
464 (L2)
468 (L2)
474 (L2)
2015
487 (L3)
491 (L3)
498 (L3)
2018
520 (L3)

10. Targets to achieve this
School Level Targets (e.g.)
Year
Mathematics
Reading
Science
2012
501
534
535
2015
521
559
560
2018
541
569
580
…check your school’s 2012 report

11. What can we do for 2015? Curriculum modifications
Adapted teaching methods
Assessment methods and measures of progress
Awareness of domains (strengths and weaknesses)
DSIB Inspectors will be focusing on school’s preparations to meet the requirements of the National Agenda 2021 during their school visits this year

12. Some Useful Resources
(Welsh Government guide to using PISA as a learning context)
(Science sample items)
and simply search for TIMSS or PISA released items
Please also share other resources and ideas with each other or contact David at