Empowering principals for better schools

An Abu Dhabi study finds strong leadership was the common trait found in our best schools

Good classroom facilities are important, but an Adec report finds good leadership is the key to improving school performance. (Razan Alzayani / The National)

Reports of corporal punishment still being used in Abu Dhabi schools, teachers frequently being absent from the classroom, unchecked misbehaviour by students and a high turnover rate among teaching staff are all matters of serious concern for the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

The positive aspect of these shortcomings – identified by 262 school appraisals by Adec inspectors throughout the emirate over more than two years until June this year – is that for the first time we have a clear idea of the type and scale of the problems present in our public schools. The first step to finding a nuanced and viable long-term solution is to accurately identify exactly what the problems are.

However, as our report noted, the inspectors also found common traits in the best-performing public schools, which indicate the way to raise the standards of schools beset by problems. Characteristics found in well-run schools include strong leadership with high aspirations for the students, with whom they developed strong and positive relationships. While having modern and secure facilities is important, so too was finding innovative solutions to whatever challenges presented themselves through making the best of what they have.

This rings true – and especially in terms of understanding the limitations of what Adec can do at an executive level to fix these problems. Ultimately, the solution rests within each school and specifically the example set by the principal and senior staff and the standards they demand of the other staff and of the students themselves.

While obviously Adec still has an important role to play in recruiting highly qualified and competent senior staff and supporting them in their jobs, each principal has to set the benchmark for their school. It is no surprise that schools where this strong and wise leadership is absent or wanting also tend to be ones beset with problems identified by Adec inspectors.

Schools do more than simply teach technical subjects such as physics or geography. They also help shape formative minds and show them the life skills required to get ahead once they leave school. Schools where pupils can see the leadership making wise and pragmatic decisions will be in the best position to use those skills once they enter the workforce themselves.