The current public school system in Qatar characterised by the semi-autonomous Independent Schools will see major changes once the draft law approved by the State Cabinet on Wednesday is finally issued and enforced.
Independent Schools are expected to be replaced by public schools that will be run directly by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Under the draft law, the state will establish and finance public schools. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education will organise and supervise public schools and appoint the administrative and academic staff. Those who run the Independent Schools should settle all its financial and administrative conditions within six months from the date that the law takes into effect. The Minister can extend the deadline for another similar period.
Based on a proposal of the Minister of Education and Higher Education, the Cabinet will activate a system for the public schools staff to determine their rights and privileges.
Independent Schools staff will continue to receive their total salaries from the date that the law takes into effect according to their employment system until the new system is activated, Qatar News Agency reported. The schooling system will have three levels: The primary level will be six years followed by three years of preparatory level.
The final secondary level will also be three years.
The Cabinet will issue a decision to organise the levels and duration of study in the specialised and technical education based on a recommendation of the Minister of Education and Higher Education.
The Ministry would establish kindergarten classes before the primary level for students aged four years, according to rules set by a decision from the Minister. The academic schedule and holidays in public schools will be fixed through a decision by the Cabinet on the proposal of the Minister. The Ministry may also establish specialised public schools for students with learning difficulties or disabilities or people with special talents and abilities to develop their skills.
Terms and conditions for students' admission in these schools will be set through a Ministerial decision.
Quoting a reliable source, Al Sharq reported that the current Independent School system will be cancelled along with the administrative and academic positions associated with it.
School operator will be replaced by school principal and vice-principal for academic affairs will be replaced by viceprincipal for education affairs.
The position of vice-principal for administrative affairs will be named vice-principal for students affairs. Based on the new human resource law and considering the experience, a new position of 'Senior Teacher' will be created for the first time, with special privileges.
Mandates previously given to school operators like authorisation to recruit teachers and administrators and ending their services will be taken over by the Ministry.
The Ministry will handle all administrative affairs related to schools through specialised committees.
The changes once enforced will not affect the salaries and allowances of the teachers and other staff who will be brought under the government employment system. All employees of public schools will have all the privileges granted to government employees and any changes in this regard will be in their favour, whether they are teachers or administrative staff, said the daily.
