The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has identified 10 indicators that schools can use to detect students at risk of educational challenges.
The education regulator said that if a student is confirmed to be at risk due to mistreatment, schools must follow the protocols outlined in the Student Protection Policy. These measures should remain an internal process, conducted confidentially to protect the student’s privacy and psychological well-being while addressing their needs.
ADEK has introduced a new policy on “educational risks”, highlighting the importance of early detection and support for students in need.
The goal is to enhance their chances of continuing their education, transitioning between grades, graduating and pursuing post-secondary education or alternative career pathways.
Schools are now mandated to establish a policy to support students at risk of educational challenges, develop a mechanism for their identification, and implement intervention programmes with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, adhering to a tiered support model when designing these interventions.
In its new policy, ADEK stressed that schools must regularly analyse and identify students facing educational problems using evidence-based factors and indicators. These include concerns about student safety, overall well-being, behaviour, additional educational needs, family-related circumstances, academic or health assessments provided by the school with parental consent, academic performance, language difficulties, parental engagement, frequent school transfers and referrals from staff, parents or students themselves.
