School application forms for Phase II of the Educational Voucher Program now online

The Education Institute of the Supreme Education Council launched Phase II of its Educational Voucher Program at an event held November 4, 2008 in Le Crillon Hall at La Cigale Hotel. Representatives from more than 80 schools including private Arabic and International schools attended the introductory presentation to learn more about the program, which aims to increase variety and choice in quality schooling options for parents and their children.

• View Voucher Hand book
• View School application
• View Student application
• View Term Plan

The program is being implemented in several phases. The pilot phase, which began in September 2008, tests the mechanisms and administration procedures of the educational vouchers for eligible students. The second phase of the program will build upon the success of the pilot phase, which is currently underway at the Qatar Academy, the International School of London and the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. At least 100 students from approximately 80 families are currently participating in the pilot phase.

“The development of the educational voucher program reaffirms Qatar’s ongoing commitment to develop a world-class education system,” said Fauzia Abdulaziz Al Khater, Director of the Educational Voucher Program Office. “The pilot phase of the program has generated tremendous interest from parents, so we are excited to expand the program in Phase II.”

Phase II of the Voucher Program is expected to be administered during the 2009-2010 academic year. The participating schools in Phase II must meet stringent criteria to qualify; including approved international accreditation and a commitment to following a standards-based curriculum framework, and offer the Arabic language, Islamic studies, Qatari history and citizenship. The schools will also need to demonstrate commitment to participate in surveys conducted by the Evaluation Institute as well as provide the SEC with statistical data already available to the school..

In Phase II, the SEC is aiming to expand the voucher program to include more private schools to complement the independent school system. This will promote equity of educational benefits and will raise the overall quality of the educational experience for students in Qatar. Ultimately, all students eligible for a government-funded education are expected to receive an educational voucher. In this way, families will be able to choose either Independent or private schools for their children.