GEMS Education Solutions
GEMS Education Solutions is a division of GEMS Education, an established education provider with over 50 years experience.
It harnesses the insights and expertise gained from the largest network of international schools worldwide to improve standards in public education provision globally. Our experienced professionals partner with governments to deliver efficient, high quality public education to meet and raise the expectations of families and communities around the world.
Our team comprises leading experts in education reform, curriculum development, teaching and learning practices as well as program design and evaluation.
We focus on the specific needs of school systems in emerging as well as developed economies. We have a detailed understanding of the common issues facing public education as well as the local issues that are so important to designing change programmes.
We collaborate with our clients to drive change in public provision as evidenced by our work to date advising and supporting Governments:
Case Study 1: Abu Dhabi Education Consortium Public Private Partnership
Background:
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is an Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) initiative designed to use the expertise of private education providers in enhancing public school operations. Private operator teams work onsite at schools to develop contemporary teaching methods and higher curriculum and assessment standards. The PPP program is central to the achievement of key outputs outlined in ADEC’s 10-Year Strategic Plan.
GEMS Involvement:
GEMS works with 18 schools within the PPP, implementing a new curriculum and assessment system that places additional emphasis on improving English, Arabic, science, ICT, and Mathematics. Schools are being transformed into “learning communities” with an emphasis on developing a range of important skills through using student centered teaching methods and extracurricular activities.
GEM’s team of education experts work closely with school principals and teachers to train them in effective methods and techniques. The size and nature of teams in individual schools varies depending on the needs of each school. At a minimum a team consists of: a management advisor, English as a Second Language (ESL) trainer, and teacher advisors representing core subjects such as English, Mathematics, science, and ICT.
Outputs:
- In 2009-10, partner schools achieved an average of 98% for KPIs as assessed by external monitors and for 2011 all GEMS’ supported schools have achieve 100% for the 40 KPIs assessed to date.
- IELTS testing revealed that 65% of principals and 72% of teachers raised their level of English language by more than double the required growth.
- Principals have reported that since GEMS involvement in their school, there has been a shift in enrolments from private schools to their public schools.
Case Study 2: Global Partnership Schools District Turnaround Model
Background:
GEMS Education Solutions’ US subsidiary, Global Partnership Schools (GPS), is currently an approved school turnaround provider in 7 American states (Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Washington, Maryland, and Connecticut), operating in 8 different schools.
GEMS/GPS Involvement:
Led by former national Superintendent of the Year, Manny Rivera, who has an impressive record of lifting expectations and raising performance, the GPS team works with schools and school districts to ensure students are ready for the challenges they will face as adults, not simply for the next round of state tests.
To achieve this, the following model is adapted to each school context:
Outputs:
The first students from GPS turnaround schools are set to graduate in summer 2012.
