Reading Instruction in the Primary Grades
Instructional Materials
Public schools have curriculum documents that guide school instruction in every subject. These documents outline the general standards for specific subject areas from kindergarten to Grade 12 and guide the process, scope, sequence, and content of the Arabic and English curricula. These are fully updated to address developments in pedagogy such as links to prior learning, higher order thinking skills, 21st century skills, national identity, sustainability, and innovation.
Fourth grade teachers in public schools use Ministry textbooks and teacher’s guides to deliver the curriculum. Students at public schools complete workbooks that accompany their textbooks. In private schools, instructional materials depend on which curriculum is used.
Use of Technology
Although public schools receive Information and Communications Technology tools and other resources to support the teaching of Arabic and English, these are not always well utilized by teachers. The diversity of private schools in Dubai means that use of technology to develop and support reading varies. In schools where achievement in reading is high, teachers use a variety of high quality resources to motivate and engage students and support their learning.
Role of Reading Specialists
Reading specialists do not play a role in public schools, and their role varies substantially in private schools. In new private schools with specialists, the focus on teaching reading through research‑based strategies results in higher student achievement.
Second Language Instruction
Beginning in the second year of kindergarten, children in public schools receive English instruction on a daily basis. Starting in first grade, students are taught five 40-minute English classes per week. English as a foreign language is taught throughout the general and higher education levels. Additional second language teaching is provided in private schools with varying degrees of success.
Accommodation Policies for Instruction and Testing
Students with reading processing challenges such as dyslexia may receive extra time or modifications for schoolwide assessments.