Arab Schools Research Articles

The complexity of teaching Hebrew in Israel's Arab school system

The complexity of teaching Hebrew in Israel's Arab school system

Practicing Islamic-Based Leadership

Although the literature offers various frameworks related to Islamic-based leadership, we argue that these frameworks have not fully encompassed all the preparations that Muslims must undertake for the afterlife. Al-Kaylani (1973–2015) is one of the Islamic philosophers who developed a relational model that connects individuals with the Creator, the universe, fellow human beings, life, and the afterlife. This qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of Arab school leaders on the extent to which they apply Islamic-based leadership based on Al-Kaylani's relational model, as well as the factors influencing their practices. In this study, 13 school principals shared their perspectives and practices concerning what they refer to as Islamic schools and Islamic education within the Arab context. The findings reveal that the school leaders' understanding of Islamic education varies significantly based on their assumptions, influencing their practices and priorities in school planning and goals. Only one school leader attempted to align their practices with the afterlife. This study encourages researchers and practitioners to explore Al-Kaylani's model further and reimagine Islamic education's meaning in Muslim schools.

A 12-Year Population-Based Analysis of Victimization and Climate Trends in Israeli Arab and Jewish Elementary Schools

ABSTRACT The study aims to examine changes over time in school victimization and climate in Israel, and whether these changes varied between Jewish and Arab schools and schools with different SES. A secondary analysis of the Ministry of Education database of structured student surveys regarding victimization and climate, was conducted during 2008–2019. All students in grades 5–6 were surveyed. The number of schools ranged between 751 and 1,189 (M = 983, SD = 166.3); 73.7% were Jewish schools, and 26.3% were Arab. Peer victimization dropped from 14.95 in 2008 to 7.97 in 2019 (β = -.39). All climate aspects positively increased. The highest improvements were in feeling unsafe (β = -.28). Reductions in victimization and progress in climate were the strongest among students from Arab schools and schools with lower SES. The implications for policy and future research are discussed.

Fostering educational excellence and addressing neoliberal challenges: Perspectives from principals and educators in Arab private schools in Israel

This study delves into the firsthand experiences of educators within private Arab schools in Israel in response to the escalating trends of privatization. Through conducting semi-structured interviews with 10 principals and educators from private institutions, a phenomenological approach was employed to uncover their perspectives on achievements and neoliberal challenges encountered in their educational roles. The findings elucidate a nuanced interplay of factors propelling the privatization process, including the demand for quality education, the cultivation of identity, and discontentment with public schooling systems. Participants highlighted the advantages offered by the flexibility and resources available in private educational settings. Nonetheless, concerns surfaced regarding issues of equitable access, regulatory oversight, workload demands, and clashes with the Ministry of Education’s privatization policies. Educators articulated both the benefits and risks associated with the privatization of schools. The study advocates for the implementation of standardized oversight mechanisms, specialized training to uphold principles of equity, fostering public–private partnerships, and the necessity for further research to shape practical policy that align privatization with educational excellence and equal opportunities. Insights gleaned from educational leaders navigating the complexities of privatization serve as a compass for devising strategies aimed at enhancing Arab schooling through evidence-based reforms.

School Violence in the Israeli Arab Educational System: Investigating the Implications of Paternalistic Leadership and teachers’ Job Satisfaction

ABSTRACT School violence is a growing issue that adversely affects learning, academic achievement, and student growth. Drawing upon the heuristic model of school violence proposed by the study proposes to examine the direct and indirect relationship (through teacher satisfaction) between paternalistic leadership (PL) and school violence in the Arab educational system in Israel. The data were collected through a questionnaire returned by a two-stage clusters random sampling of 350 teachers randomly chosen from 70 elementary Israeli Arab schools. Data were collected from three sources: self-reporting (teachers and students) and non-self-reporting to minimize measure error. The Structural Equation Modelling and bootstrap results highlighted that paternalistic leadership was not correlated to teachers’ satisfaction but directly correlated to school violence. The findings also showed positive relationships of teachers’ job satisfaction and lessening school violence levels. Implications for theory and practise are discussed.

Speech Sound Disorders in Arabic School aged Children with Adenoid Hypertrophy

Speech Sound Disorders in Arabic School aged Children with Adenoid Hypertrophy

Arabic Language Teaching in Arabic Preparatory Schools

This study aims to highlight, describe and analyse the experiment conducted at the Arabic Preparatory School for Girls in Bandar Seri Begawan (SPABSB) and explore how it can be utilised to improve the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The Arabic school in Brunei seeks to leverage modern theories and methods of language teaching. The school established a committee to oversee all aspects related to the Arabic language. This committee aims to enhance Arabic language instruction by mandating that all teachers of Arabic language and religious studies, as well as students, communicate in Arabic. They additionally translated posters and publications into Arabic, while arranging professional development events to educate teachers on language teaching theories and methods. They develop class activity books and materials for extensive Arabic practice both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, they organise various intensive learning activities to promote Arabic language usage, such as competitions encompassing plays, speeches, group presentations, calligraphy, and singing in Arabic. They also initiated numerous activities aimed at teaching Arabic culture, including Arabic festivals, expeditions, Arabic Week, and open days. The school encourages the use of Arabic language in all activities and events. This study found that the approach adopted by the (SPABSB) serves as a valid model for other newly established schools. It emphasises a balance between extracurricular activities organised by the administration and academic pursuits within the classroom. It suggests the integration of Arabic language use both inside and outside the classroom, highlighting that traditional classroom teaching alone may not suffice to enhance Arabic language proficiency and develop students' skills

The Correlation Between Systemic Factors, Citizenship Behaviors, Misbehaviors, and Work Stress in Female Arab Teachers in Israel

The study investigates the correlation among systemic factors including educational system reforms and managerial leadership style, stress levels, and their effects on job performance, work-family balance, and workplace functionality of Arab mothers who are teachers in Israel. However, the study involved 546 Israeli-Arab mothers working as secondary education teachers, who completed questionnaires focusing on conflict expressions, systemic factors, and their effects on work performance indicators. The examination of the results - among others, suggests that the perception of work stress among participants was related to a high level of the two types of conflict as well as to the high prevalence of withdrawal behavior. The second result showed that actively managing was associated with a lower occurrence of withdrawal behavior at all three levels, while also being associated with a higher prevalence of citizenship behavior. On the other hand, workload related to work or family was not a predictor of a higher prevalence of withdrawal behaviors and a low prevalence of citizenship behavior. In an understudied field, the current research presents the multi-factorial complexity of the systemic factors in Arab schools in Israel and their impact on work functioning. The practical outcomes are both organizational and social and they concern both the managers and the family environment of the teachers. The study shows that the manager’s support is a crucial factor in mitigating the Work-family conflict. Thus, it is suggested to encourage school managers’ willingness to give teachers support and a more lenient work environment to help mitigate their work-related stress.

"Today, I Say It's Mine!": Professional Identity Construction among Jewish and Arab School Counselors Coping with CSA Disclosure in Israel.

School counselors play a crucial role in preventing, disclosing, and intervening in child sexual abuse cases (CSA) and in maintaining safe and protected school environments. However, research on their experiences coping with CSA remains limited. The purpose of the present study was to describe and analyze the coping experiences of Israeli Jewish and Arab school counselors with CSA disclosure, particularly the consequences for their processes of professional identity construction (the ongoing process through which they develop and refine their sense of self in their profession). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Israeli Jewish and Arab school counselors working in elementary schools (grades 1-6) with significant experience in coping with CSA. Two themes surfaced, reflecting the counselors' professional identity construction: (1) Counselors' professional identity transformation following encounters with CSA among their students; (2) Integrating professional knowledge, attitudes, and engagement behaviors into professional identity. The findings describe a trajectory of transformation and professional development among the counselors, beginning with defining and refining their professional roles and followed by the integration of professional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors into their professional routines. Arab counselors also highlighted specific sociocultural challenges within this process, relating to the gap between cultural values and role expectations. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.

The Role of School Administration in Empowering Educational Consultants and its Relationship with Providing the Incubating Environment for Student Talents in Arab Schools within the Green Line

The study aimed to determine the role of school administration in empowering educational consultants and its relationship with providing the incubating environment for student talents within the Green Line. A descriptive correlational design using a questionnaire was applied. The sample consisted of (1239) individuals, including (250) educational consultants and (989) teachers. Results indicated that the degree of the role of school administration in empowering educational consultants were moderate, and the degree of providing the incubating empowering for student talents were moderate; A statistically significant positive correlation between the degree of the role of school administration in empowering of educational consultants and providing the incubating environment for student talents. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education adopt a developmental training program to motivate school administrations to empower educational Consultant, and to support the school environment and its requirements that provide an appropriate environment incubating student talents.

The Effectiveness Level of Administrative Performance among Druze Arab School Principals in the Green Line and its Relationship with Effectiveness of Job Performance among Teachers

The study aimed to determine the level of the effectiveness of administrative performance among Druze Arab School principals in the Green Line and its relationship with effectiveness of Job Performance among teachers. A descriptive correlational methodology was used, through the administrative performance effectiveness questionnaire, which consisted of (39) items, and the job performance effectiveness questionnaire, which included (31) items, and its validity and reliability indications were confirmed. The sample consisted of (409) Principals and teachers. Results indicated that the level of effectiveness of administrative performance and domains among Druze Arab School principals in the green line and the degree of effectiveness of job performance and domains, among Teachers were moderate; A statistically significant positive correlation between the level of effectiveness of administrative performance and effectiveness of job performance among teachers. The study recommended made several recommendations.

Arab teacher educators and the moral work of teaching in Israel

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores how 14 Arab teacher educators perceive the moral preparation of teachers for Arab schools in Israel. The first theme highlights the contingent (institutional) factors that influence and may restrain the teacher educators’ mission of moral preparation. It highlights the importance of an organisational culture that supports student teachers’ learning to provide moral education, of empowering and unsilencing of student teachers, and of promoting morally oriented reflective practice in students’ clinical experiences. The second theme illustrates the teacher educators’ psychological assumptions about morality as represented by the possibilities and constraints of role modelling in preparing moral teachers. The third theme addresses the teacher educators’ socio-educational (universal, counter-hegemonic, and liberal) assumptions about the moral purposes of schooling. These assumptions are influenced by the asymmetrical structure of Arab-Jewish power relationships, as well as by the transitional status of Arab society in Israel.

Level of Administrative Excellence among Arabic Schools’ Principals in the Green Line as Perceived by Principals and Teachers

Level of Administrative Excellence among Arabic Schools’ Principals in the Green Line as Perceived by Principals and Teachers

The Role of School Principals in Employing E-learning in Arab Schools within the Green Line

The Role of School Principals in Employing E-learning in Arab Schools within the Green Line

Organizational School Resilience in Arab Schools in Haifa District within the Green Line from Teacher's Perspective

Organizational School Resilience in Arab Schools in Haifa District within the Green Line from Teacher's Perspective

Teaching Styles and Self-Efficacy as Burnout Predictors among Teachers in Arab Schools in Israel

Teaching Styles and Self-Efficacy as Burnout Predictors among Teachers in Arab Schools in Israel

The Role of Principals in Integration Students with Special Needs in Arab School within the Green Line

The Role of Principals in Integration Students with Special Needs in Arab School within the Green Line

Exploring Motivational Dynamics: The Role of Oral Activities in Improving Arab Students’ Learning of English

This study explores the impact of oral activities on Arab students' motivation to enhance their English language skills, underscoring the pivotal role of teachers in cultivating enthusiasm for learning. Using a descriptive/explanatory case study design, the research assesses the current state of English language instruction in Arab schools, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia. Diverse strategies and methods are proposed to boost student motivation and alleviate anxiety in language learning, advocating for communicative language instruction, learner-centric environments and innovative assessment approaches. The study introduces a real-life eclectic technique to bridge the gap between teaching, assessment and real-world application. Despite time constraints, teacher training and policy support are deemed essential for effective integration. The research recommends a comprehensive approach to enhance motivation and proficiency in English, aiming for a more impactful learning experience in Arab schools. To address generalizability, the study proposes solutions applicable to the majority of Arab classrooms, while acknowledging the need to consider unique characteristics and variations within each educational system for broader applicability. The study also suggests directions for future research.

Addressing Ethical Concerns in Implementing Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Educational Setting

The burgeoning interest in mindfulness and the way it has been stripped from its Buddhist ontological roots and popularized in the West has recently raised ethical concerns regarding its application in various domains, and more specifically in the educational field. We will address in this article three main ethical concerns regarding implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the educational field. Firstly, how do we help educators and students cultivate personal awareness while at the same time being conscious of the needs of others and promote a pro-social orientation? Secondly, how do we ethically implement MBIs in the current neoliberal social, cultural, and political context? Thirdly, how do we implement MBIs in a culturally sensitive manner respecting the ethics of other ethnic groups and other societies? We will attempt to offer solutions to those issues by exemplifying how MBIs are integrated with compassion-based interventions (e.g., mindful self-compassion (MSC)) and social-emotional learning (understanding and managing emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions) among educators and students in Jewish and Arab schools in Israel. We will discuss three MBI programs that incorporate strategies addressing social ailments such as stereotyping and prejudicial attitudes and promote pro-social behavior as well as share research findings regarding their efficacy. Additionally, we will outline ways in which these mindfulness-based programs were adapted to suit different populations. Finally, we will conclude by pointing to future means to address these issues.

Are We Closer to Regional Consensus on Promoting Food Literacy and Integrating Nutrition Education in Arabic Schools?

Food literacy is achieving attention worldwide and gaining traction in Arab countries. Strengthening food and nutrition literacy among Arab teenagers are important promising and empowering tools, which can protect them from malnutrition. This study aims to evaluate the nutrition literacy status of adolescents along with that of their parents in 10 Arab countries. This cross-sectional study involving a convenient sample of 5401 adolescent-parent dyads was launched between 29 April and 6 June 2022 in 10 Arab nations. The Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS) and the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) were used to meet the study aims. More than one-quarter (28%) of adolescents had poor nutrition literacy, with 60% of their parents being food illiterate. The top three countries with nutritionally less literate adolescents were Qatar (44%), Lebanon (37.4%), and Saudi Arabia (34.9%). Adolescents’ age, gender, education level, primary caregivers, employment status, and the inclusion of nutrition education in the schools’ curriculum predicted the nutrition literacy levels of Arab adolescents. Besides, parental weight status, health status, parent’s food literacy level, and the number of children per household were significant determinants too. Nutrition literacy inadequacy among Arab adolescents is a prioritized challenge to be tackled to achieve the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) mainly SDG2 and SDG4.