Schools liable to 'pay for ADEK-mandated evaluations'

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that schools shall be responsible for all costs associated with the administration of any ADEK-mandated external assessments (SBAs).

- Sheikha Al Naqbi, Staff Reporter

Schools are not authorised to charge separate assessment fees to parents.

Designed by an external provider, these assessments measure students' learning, achievement, skill development, values and attitudes.

They include standardised assessments, international assessments, board exams and other pre-collegetests. Prominent Methods Inits updated Schools Policy on Assessment, the ADEK explained that assessments are among the most prominent tools used in educational development. They contribute to building a culture based on the use of data and evidence to evaluate and improve the performance of students, staff and schools. Standardising assessment data in a multicultural school environment such as that in Abu Dhabi enables a shared basis for change to be established.

It was noted that, in line with the requirements of the applicable curriculum, schools must register all third-cycle students who qualify for examinations set by international examination boards.