ACT will leverage the expertise of its US-based research and test development teams to create the assessment, which will also utilize the latest theory and principles of social and emotional learning (SEL) throughout the development process.
“We are thrilled to be supporting a holistic approach to student success,” said ACT Chief Commercial Officer Suzana Delanghe. “We know that social and emotional learning skills are crucial to success in school and life and these skills can be taught and developed over time. With their learning and measurement expertise, our teams will create a world-class assessment that measures UAE student readiness, so teachers can more effectively foster the shared cultural values across UAE’s diverse communities.”
Blending academic content with an exploration of character and ethics, the program has been designed as a progressive series of units to be taught over twelve years of schooling, beginning in first grade.
“Moral Education is an innovative, engaging curriculum designed to develop young people of all nationalities and ages in the UAE with universal principles and values that reflect the shared experiences of humanity," said Director of the Education Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Khalifa Al Nuaimi. “The curriculum was introduced in the UAE in 2017 in an initiative from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Through the MESA, we plan to assess the impact of Moral Education over time in an independent and standardized manner. Beyond testing the students' knowledge and understanding of concepts, we aim to measure their awareness of the character traits and values underpinning the Moral Education Program."
ACT will work with its regional partner, ConnecME Education, to create an item bank that will cover each relevant grade, which will then receive a different assessment with grade-appropriate items, to be taken during school hours. The assessment will be delivered to students in April 2019.
“We are very proud to be working with ACT to meet the needs of the Crown Prince Court as it continues its mission in providing world class education and assessment to the students of the UAE,” said ConnecME CEO Mohammad Shadid. “Furthermore, this endeavor is a critical one, as we share the Crown Prince Court’s vision of not only academic growth but also of character, morality, community, civic history and cultural studies—presenting a student with a high level of engagement.”
ConnecME Education has a long-standing presence in the UAE region. Along with its partner, ACT, it aims to continue its primary mission of empowering youth through education and assisting local and international bodies in this shared goal.
About ACT
ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, ACT is trusted as a leader in college and career readiness, providing high-quality assessments grounded in nearly 60 years of research. ACT offers a uniquely integrated set of solutions designed to provide personalized insights that help individuals succeed from elementary school through career. Visit act.org to learn more.
About ConnecME
ConnecME is an international educational company that understands the importance of empowerment and global citizenship. With its strong partnerships, it aims to provide tailored educational solutions to meet the unique needs of schools, universities, and government departments ConnecME’s goal is to provide students with opportunities to help them become globally competitive and to attain excellence and recognition in the global domain. They view their role as one of continuous support to the student, in helping to open more doors to opportunities both home and abroad. To know more about ConnecME’s services, please visit their website www.connecme.com or email info@connecme.com
About the Crown Prince Court
The Crown Prince Court, or the Diwan as it is locally known, is an independent entity that enjoys full legal status as a government body. It was established in 1976 and mandated to support His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in carrying out his national and international duties. The Crown Prince Court facilitates interactions between the Crown Prince and citizens of the UAE through general correspondence, the hearing of individual concerns and the identification of solutions, and manages the public affairs of the Crown Prince, including his involvement in corporate and philanthropic projects. Learn more at www.cpc.gov.ae/
