The Ministry of Education Khaled-Al-Faisal

The Ministry of Education plans to overhaul 142 community schools over the next two years including updating their curricula, screening teachers and fixing buildings.

The schools in Jeddah, Makkah and Taif have 46,125 boys and girls enrolled. Sources at the Makkah Education Department said Minister of Education Prince Khaled Al-Faisal had ordered the revamp.

During the first phase, the schools would focus on 12 aspects including the screening of teachers, who have to undergo tests to determine whether they are qualified to teach at primary schools. Those who fail the tests would be given administrative work, a source said.

The schools would cater to Saudi teachers willing to teach on a part-time or permanent basis. There would also be clear criteria laid down for the admission of students at intermediate and secondary levels.

The ministry plans to make sure that all buildings are safe and provide a suitable learning environment for students. The schools would be allowed to have night classes.

Regarding financing, the sources said that individuals or companies wanting to contribute can do so by depositing cash into an education fund supervised by a school committee.

Current teaching staff would be offered training to upgrade their skills. The ministry plans to supply textbooks to the schools. A temporary office to supervise community schools would also be set up, the sources said.

 
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