Charter Schools in Abu Dhabi: American Policies Translated Overseas

• In Event: Furthering International Perspectives on the Politics of School Choice Policies

Abstract

This research investigates the implementation of charter schools in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates focusing on the effects of this policy change. Data was collected through interviews with teachers, employees of the private providers and government officials. The major findings are that while named ‘charter schools’ based on a change in governance and funding mechanisms the use of the term ‘charter’ does not align with its usage in the United States but has been used to legitimate the policy change. The schools are a site of struggle between different levels of policymaking and have resulted in marketization of the Abu Dhabi government schools. Abu Dhabi is potentially a case study for the effects of full privatization of a government system.

Author

• Emily Winchip, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi
  Presenting Author