February 22: Historic Decision Transforms Education Landscape in the Kingdom
A pivotal educational directive was issued on February 22, 2021, by royal order, aiming to develop the educational system and enhance equal opportunities for students through restructuring general secondary education pathways. The decision comes in response to recommendations from a comprehensive study conducted by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Education and Training Evaluation Commission.
Strategic Context and Objectives
Results from international assessments showed a decline in Saudi students’ academic achievement indicators compared to global standards, particularly in mathematics and science. A national study involving 500 schools revealed that 40% of graduates face difficulty in choosing an appropriate university major. The restructuring aimed to address these gaps by providing specialized pathways early on, aligning with students’ aptitudes and future labor market needs.
Details of the New Pathways
The new system is divided into four main pathways:
1. **General Pathway:** Focuses on humanities and administrative sciences.
2. **Natural and Applied Sciences Pathway:** Delves into physics and advanced mathematics.
3. **Business Administration Pathway:** Prepares students for the job market through curricula in economics and marketing.
4. **Sharia Pathway:** Deepens Islamic and legal studies.
Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al Al-Sheikh stated: “This qualitative shift will produce a generation capable of leading economic transformation.”
Reactions and Practical Implementation
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission welcomed the decision, noting that 78% of parents in a survey sample of 3,000 families expressed optimism about increased career opportunities for their children. The Ministry of Human Resources also announced a partnership to link curricula with the requirements of “Vision 2030”. The pilot implementation began in 100 schools during the 2021-2022 academic year, with full rollout expected by 2023-2024.
Long-Term Expected Consequences
The Ministry of Education anticipates a 15% increase in Saudi students’ results in international PISA tests within five years. The new system is also expected to reduce the rate of university major transfers, according to a report issued by the National Center for Vocational Training. It is noted that the decision received support from the Shura Council, which praised its flexibility in keeping pace with sustainable development.
This educational transformation represents a strategic shift reshaping the future of Saudi generations by aligning educational outcomes with national development needs and contemporary changes, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s competitive position on the global map.
مكة بوست ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.
