The Minister of Education, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, has officially commended students across the Kingdom for their exceptional discipline and dedication to their studies. In a statement shared via a video on his Instagram account, the Minister highlighted that attendance for the recent international PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) assessment reached a staggering 94% in both public and private schools. What makes this high turnout particularly noteworthy is the current context of school attendance in Bahrain. Under the Ministry’s current flexible attendance policy, families have been given the choice between in-person and remote learning, and several recent assessments were categorized as non-mandatory. Despite having the option to stay home, the overwhelming majority of fourth-grade students chose to attend their schools to complete the assessment in person. Dr. Juma described the attendance rate as “very high,” emphasizing that it reflects a deep-rooted awareness among students and their parents about the importance of academic participation. He noted that such high levels of engagement are a clear indicator of the community’s commitment to excellence and their desire to see Bahraini students succeed on an international stage.
The PIRLS exam itself serves as a vital tool for the Ministry, as it measures the reading skills students have acquired during their first three years of primary education. By achieving such a high participation rate, the Ministry can more accurately evaluate the national curriculum and teaching methods, comparing local results against global standards to ensure Bahrain remains a leader in regional education. Ultimately, the Minister’s praise serves as a testament to a “partnership of success” between the Ministry, educational institutions, and Bahraini families. The high attendance figures demonstrate that even when participation is optional, the drive for knowledge and the value placed on education remain top priorities for the people of Bahrain
Proud!
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