GEMS School reflects academic excellence in overall performance of Skills Test

Dubai, May 21, 2006: Students of Grades 3 to 8 from the International Baccalaureate (IB) and High School programs at the Dubai American Academy (DAA), one of GEMS managed schools, achieved excellent score results in the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) during the spring term 2006.

The ITBS tests are standardized and compared to schools and students in the US and around the world. ITBS reports provide Percentile Rankings (PR), which enables DAA to compare its percentile ranking among other schools in the US in terms of academic achievement. The reports also provide Grade-level Equivalencies (GE) that permits schools to track individual student progress as well as provide data to track school performance over the years.

Grade-level Equivalencies tell us how the students are performing as compared to the actual grade level. For example, this year's average student GE from Grade 5 to 8 at DAA has surpassed the target GE strategic goal for the average student. Therefore, DAA's school wide Hopes and Dreams Goal of having every DAA student at least one GE above their grade level is nearly achieved.

Currently, as a result of this academic achievement, DAA ranks among the top 6% of all schools in Mathematics in the Elementary School Division and among the top 9% overall for ITBS schools.

The ITBS results indicate that the faculty is providing academic preparation and instruction to challenge students, particularly high ability students. Dan Young. DAA's Superintendent, commented: "DAA teachers motivate students to achieve their personal best. These results are a reflection of those efforts. Another goal at DAA is differentiated teaching that attends to the individual needs of students that have contributed to these results."

The ITBS results indicate that the DAA faculty is providing academic preparation and instruction to challenge students, particularly high ability students. With such impressive results, DAA has been invited to nominate students with exceptional abilities to join the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). Qualified students will receive a personal letter regarding the nomination from the Superintendent to take home to their parents; however, participation remains a student/family choice.

"Our mission statement to inspire excellence does not end in the classroom. Through Elementary School field-trip enrichment studies, Middle School week without walls opportunities for multiple sensory experiential learning, and now rigorous academic online course choices, DAA provides a fun, rigorous, learning environment for students to choose to experience and to excel academically," added Young.

-Ends-

Notes to editor:
GEMS manages a growing network of 60 high quality international schools around the world. GEMS network of schools provide a unique brand of holistic education to 55,000 students from over 120 countries, employing over 5,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from over 50 nationalities. Supported by a network of eminent, international advisors in the field of education, GEMS global network of multi-skilled specialists and in-house experts provide invaluable support and guidance in all areas related to schools, delivering world class standards of education. 'GEMS Education' offers total school management solutions. From project inception and planning to ongoing operations of schools, GEMS offers a total solutions approach to the management of new school projects and existing schools. Information on the company and its portfolio can be found at www.gemseducation.com.

For more information, please contact:
Lina Anani
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide
in Middle East and North Africa
P O Box 28063
Dubai, UAE
Tel : (971 4) 3344550
Fax : (971 4) 3344556
info@asdaa.com
www.asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006