The Zayed University Research Center of Excellence
in Learning, Language, and Literacy
Project Director: Dr. Peggy Blackwell, Dean
College of Education,
Zayed University
Co-Director: Dr. Bahman Baktiari, Director
School of Policy and International Affairs
The School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA) in partnership with UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) is collaborating with Zayed University’s College of Education on a proposal to establish Zayed University Center of Excellence in Learning, Language, and Literacy.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has placed education and educational reform in the country as a top priority and has introduced the Strategic Plan 2008-2010 to address major areas for improvement in the country. The priority for education focuses on improved student and school performance according to societal expectations and international standards, promoting student centered education, greater accountability, higher standards and improved professionalism through license and continuing professional development for teachers and principals.
The proposal has been submitted to the UAE National Research Foundation, and if funded, it will initiated a five-year research agenda involving collaboration and strategic partnerships with key institutions in the U.A.E. and the United States. In line with the U.A.E. government’s educational priorities the center will conduct systematic research and disseminate findings that will inform and improve educational outcomes for K-12 students in UAE schools.
