According to the Student Assessment Policy Guide 2026-2027, the new framework uses observation, real-life evidence and play-based learning to assess children and guide teaching according to their individual needs. File picture used for illustrative purpose.
Dubai: The Ministry of Education has introduced a comprehensive
assessment system for kindergarten students that focuses on monitoring a
child's overall development rather than measuring academic achievement alone.
According to the Student Assessment Policy Guide 2026-2027, the new
framework uses observation, real-life evidence and play-based learning to
assess children and guide teaching according to their individual needs.
The system is built around six guiding principles and six key assessment
components, including developmental screening tools, beginning-of-year
assessments, continuous assessments, end-of-term and end-of-year reviews, and
diagnostic assessments when required.
The ministry has also adopted four descriptive performance levels:
Beginner, Developing, Proficient and Exceeds Expectations, enabling teachers to
track each child's progress along an individual developmental pathway.
The framework covers cognitive, physical, social, emotional, linguistic
and creative development, while promoting partnership between schools and
families and supporting educational equity.
Child-centred approach
The ministry said kindergarten assessment must be child-centred and
tailored to individual needs. Other guiding principles include recognising
developmental growth, adopting play-based learning, respecting cultural
identity, ensuring assessments are continuous and comprehensive, and promoting
ethical practice, collaboration and reflection.
Under the framework, assessment becomes an integral part of teaching
rather than a separate process.
Continuous assessment cycle
The new model follows a continuous cycle consisting of five stages:
observation, assessment, planning, implementation and reflection.
This approach ensures that observations about a child's learning and
development are used to shape future teaching strategies, which are then
implemented and reviewed before the cycle begins again.
Six assessment components
The assessment framework begins with developmental screening tools used
at the start of the academic year to identify children's needs and establish an
initial understanding of their development.
A Beginning of Year (BOY) Assessment is conducted during the first seven
weeks of the school year to establish each child's starting point, with
follow-up assessments used to monitor progress.
Continuous assessment is carried out through daily observations,
learning records and analysis of children's work, with findings used to inform
teaching and learning.
The system also includes end-of-term review sessions involving both
teachers and parents to discuss progress and determine the next steps in the
child's development.
At the end of the academic year, a comprehensive review is conducted
using assessments collected throughout the year, together with the child's
portfolio, to provide an overall picture of development.
Diagnostic assessments may also be carried out when specific educational
or developmental needs are identified.
Four performance levels
The ministry said the four performance levels are designed to describe a
child's progress rather than compare them with other children.
The scale begins with Beginner, where a child demonstrates early
engagement with concepts or skills and requires significant guidance.
This is followed by Developing, where the child shows increasing
understanding and can apply knowledge and skills with some support.
The Proficient level reflects consistent and independent application of
required skills in both familiar and new learning situations and is the
expected level by the end of the kindergarten stage.
The highest level, Exceeds Expectations, is awarded to children who
demonstrate creativity, initiative or leadership beyond the developmental
expectations for their age group.
The ministry said the framework provides a continuous and holistic
picture of each child's growth, helping schools support learning, strengthen
family engagement and ensure a smooth transition to Grade 1.
