Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
356294 International Journal of Educational Development 2012 11 Pages PDF
Abstract

In 2001, the Government of Qatar began a comprehensive education reform (Education for a New Era) based on RAND's recommendations and options for building an educational system that would meet the country's changing needs. Nine years later, Qatar's educational landscape has significantly changed. Among these changes is the introduction of Professional Standards for teacher and school leaders and Qatar's first system for the registration and licensing of teachers and school leaders that are directly linked to the professional standards. This study seeks to analyze school leaders’ perspectives regarding the Qatar National Professional Standards for Teachers and School Leaders and the recently introduced accompanying licensure system. The study reports results from questionnaires addressed to 74 school leaders. These findings illuminate problematic issues and indicate that these policies use ambiguous terminology and procedures, ignore local educators’ input, and provide unrealistic expectations of society, lack consistency and created resistance on the part of educators. Discussion is provided that centers on the implications of importing educational products and the need to take into account the local culture in implementing these products.

► Challenges caused by the licensing process are described. ► 71% of participants believe that these processes are adopted from a Western model. ► Local educators’ needs and culture are challenged. ► National Professional Standards are considered inadequate and not applicable to Qatari schools. ► Reservations were expressed about the qualifications of the decision makers.

Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Social Sciences Development
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