RAND study finds Qatar successfully implements redesign of education system

It will take Qatar about 10 years to experience the full effect of these changes, according to RAND researchers. But since 2002, the Qataris have made significant progress. They have developed new academic standards in Arabic, English, mathematics and science, and almost all students have been tested according to those standards. Already, nearly half of the government-funded students have been enrolled in learner-centered independent schools with improved facilities.

The new Arabic curriculum, in particular, features a standards-based approach that teaches Arabic as a functional native language, using both religious and secular texts, a design unique in the Gulf region, Goldman said.

"As a result of this process, Qatar has a set of curriculum standards for grades K-12 that are benchmarked against the best standards in the world," the report said.

Teachers at these new independent schools are now better trained and prepared. Although schools are expected to meet content standards and performance standards, the textbooks, teaching methods and lesson plans are determined by the schools, encouraging variety. For the first time parents have access to reports on schools' performance, which RAND analysts think will help spur further reforms, as parents select the schools most suited to their children's needs.

"Although the reforms are still in the initial stages, early indicators are very promising," Goldman said. "These student and school assessments are the first of their kind in the Arab world, and we expect that using these data will lead to schools improving over time."

Several of the independent schools opened with waiting lists because of strong parental demand. These schools vary in their offerings, with some emphasizing math and science, others information and communications, health sciences, or industrial technology.

Some of the changes have required the Qataris to adjust their expectations: many Qatari parents were initially concerned when their children reported that they liked school. Previously, if a child liked school, the curriculum was thought to be too easy. Now, it is a sign that schools are placing students at the center of the learning process, Goldman said.

The reform model involved the creation of three new government institutions. The Supreme Education Council is responsible for setting national education policy. The Education Institute oversees the new independent schools and allocates resources to them, in addition to developing national curriculum standards in Arabic, mathematics, science and English and developing a teacher-training program. The Evaluation Institute monitors student and school performances in both the Ministry and independent schools.