The Positive Aspects of Education
Bright Learners Private School: Transforming Education in Dubai through MAP Growth Assessments
In an inspiring turn of events, Bright Learners Private School, located in the heart of Dubai, has successfully implemented the MAP Growth assessment to enhance student learning and growth. The school’s efforts have recently gained traction, with Principal Sulaiman Akbar leading a dynamic team that has turned challenges into opportunities.
Navigating Through Uncertain Waters
Founded during the global pandemic in 2020, Bright Learners Private School opened its doors amidst logistical hurdles and educational uncertainties. As a result, their first operational year mainly transpired in a virtual setting, affecting enrollment and community engagement. However, the appointment of Principal Sulaiman Akbar in the spring of 2021 marked a turning point for the school. With a fresh leadership structure and an inspired teaching staff unfamiliar with the UAE education system’s expectations, there was immense potential for revitalization.
“We co-created a new mission and vision for our school that aligns with the community’s expectations and our commitment to the UAE National Agenda,” states Principal Sulaiman. With a laser focus on teaching quality and data-driven instruction, the school quickly set out to improve its academic performance.
Embracing Change and Fostering Collaboration
Central to Bright Learners’ strategy was the adoption of NWEA MAP assessments designed to give a clear data-driven picture of student performance. Accompanied by a reinvigorated mission vision that emphasized a collaborative approach, everyone from staff to students and parents was involved in maximizing student success.
The school introduced professional development sessions for both teachers and parents, thus establishing a collective understanding of the MAP assessments’ significance. Structured weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings became a hallmark, where educators convened to share effective teaching strategies aimed at addressing individual learning needs while focusing on data-driven action plans.
Charnese Green, the school’s English Lead, affirms, “Our curriculum has been redesigned to be more integrated and offer greater depth, ensuring that all standards are comprehensively covered.” This meant that the unique needs of every student were prioritized, enhancing their overall learning experience.
A Holistic Approach to Assessment and Support
MAP Growth assessments provided the baseline needed to measure student growth effectively. Moving beyond mere evaluations, teachers created individual learning portfolios for students, allowing them to set personal goals and track progress. Conferences with parents were also pivotal in this demographic, as it ensured everyone remained on the same page in understanding performance levels and the growth journey.
Additionally, the school recognized that teaching strategies needed to be accompanied by targeted interventions. With many students being English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, special programs were developed to support language comprehension problems. The Response to Intervention (RTI) framework paired with the IXL program offered targeted support, reinforcing students’ reading and math skills both before and during instructional hours.
“This structural approach to schooling is what differentiates us,” explained Principal Sulaiman. “By focusing on data, we have been better equipped to tailor our educational approach to each child’s needs.”
A Culture of Empowerment and Confidence
Elevating the school spirit and motivating students was another crucial ingredient for their success. Gone were the days of hastily conducted assessments; Bright Learners instead introduced a more thoughtful and engaging approach. Principal Akbar orchestrated assemblies where students encouraged each other and identified personal achievement goals openly. This peer-driven initiative ended up positively impacting student attitudes toward assessments.
“It was a moment of triumph when our Emirati student council president spoke to motivate our students. Everyone was buzzing with determination to meet their MAP goals,” Sulaiman recalls.
Remarkable Achievements and Future Aspirations
The results tell a remarkable tale. In the latest assessment window, an impressive 87% of students in Reading met or exceeded their growth goals, while in Maths, that figure was a staggering 94%. The positive momentum in Science, where 90% of students achieved similar results, further solidifies this success.
During the recent KHDA inspection for the academic year 2023-24, Bright Learners Private School achieved 19 “GOOD” ratings and several “VERY GOOD” ratings, marking a decisive improvement for the newly formed leadership team. Principal Sulaiman’s vision includes not only consolidating these gains but also aspiring to reach “OUTSTANDING” ratings—an ambitious goal that reflects the school’s focus on continuous improvement.
As they set their sights on the future, Bright Learners aims to develop reading literacy as a cross-curricular initiative, further enriching their curriculum and nurturing a more holistic approach to education. “We are confident about the ground we’ve covered and are committed to raising the bar even higher,” states Principal Sulaiman.
In a world where educational institutions face several hurdles, Bright Learners Private School serves as a beacon of hope, showing that through collaboration, data-driven strategies, and a robust support network, achieving educational excellence is indeed within reach.
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