Quality international schools in Kuwait? : history, ideology, and practice

Abstract

This study investigates the quality of education in three international (bilingual) schools1 in Kuwait. Little is known about the situation of these schools, which are increasing exponentially. These schools not only have a significant role at the local level but also worldwide as they are connected globally through many networks, and by producing graduates who attend universities around the world. This qualitative, interpretive, research presents the perspectives of stakeholders involved in international bilingual schools in Kuwait. The researcher interviewed students, parents, high school teachers, academic counsellors, coordinators (curriculum, accreditation and professional development (PD)), high school principals (HSPs), directors (superintendents), chairpersons, a Ministry of Education (MOE) director, and a Council of International Schools (CIS) director. Listening to the voices of stakeholders at different levels presented a comprehensive view of the quality of education in these schools, because, according to Cheng (2003) quality assurance of education involves many interconnected elements. Some of these elements include the teaching and learning process, internal and external evaluation of these schools, expectations of parents and stakeholders, accountability measures and educational policies set by the state, and curriculum. To investigate these elements in three accredited bilingual schools in Kuwait, the study focuses on four main areas: (i) the rapid growth of such schools in Kuwait; (ii) reasons why Kuwaiti parents choose these schools and whether their expectations are met; (iii) the influence of international accreditation agencies on evaluating and improving this kind of schools in Kuwait; and (iv) the role of the Kuwait MOE in monitoring the academic performance of students and ensuring the quality of education in these schools. In addition to the education quality assurance conceptual framework (Cheng, 2003), cosmopolitanism and neoliberalism theoretical frameworks are used to frame the interpretation of participants' insights and findings of the analysis.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	English