Education Systems

The education systems that control K-12 schools in thirteen selected Middle Eastern states are examined based on a detailed survey of the educational strategic plans of these countries within the relevant time frame for our study (2011–2019). Six common themes were identified across the plans including: “Good Governance”, “Curriculum and Instruction”, “Digital Content and Integration”, “Measurement and Evaluation”, “Human Resources Development and Measurement”, and “School Context”. Even though “Curriculum and Instruction” is the most addressed theme in the strategic plans of all the countries, only six of them explicitly refer to the science and math curriculum. As for the other themes, they are mentioned to lesser extents with slight variations. Despite the promising objectives revealed in the educational plans of the thirteen countries, several challenges seem to stifle the effective implementation of these plans, and little is being done to tackle these challenges effectively.