Perceived value of the Abu Dhabi Educational Care Centre for enhancing juvenile education within the spectrum of social justice: confronting challenges

ABSTRACT

This qualitative case study explores the perceived value of the Educational Care Centre (ECC) in Abu Dhabi, which is part of the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Education Council’s efforts to consolidate and reform the United Arab Emirates’ correctional institutions. The study, which is situated within the broad paradigm of social justice, identifies the challenges faced by the ECC, areas requiring improvement, and measures that need to be taken to enhance education for juvenile offenders. Findings and recommendations revolve around the need for institutional and community partnerships, revitalizing the social-constructivist role of schools and enhancing the holistic role of school managers and leaders.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rida Blaik Hourani

Dr. Rida Blaik Hourani earned her Ph.D. in Policy and Management from The University of Melbourne. Dr Blaik Hourani has worked at many higher education institutions in the Middle East and Australia and has taught and authored diverse courses in various disciplines. She lectures courses within the realm of education leadership, school management, curriculum and instruction, peace studies, school reforms, cultural studies and sociology of education.  She is presently the Division Head of the Assessment and School Evaluation Division at Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE). Dr. Blaik Hourani has numerous publications; her research focus is in policy and leadership, school reforms and innovation, sociology of education and cultural studies.

David R. Litz

Dr. David R. Litz is an Assistant Professor at Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) where he teaches courses in the Assessment and School Evaluation Division. He is currently teaching courses on educational practice, teaching and learning, educational effectiveness and improvement, and school leadership and management. He has also previously taught in South Korea and Canada. He holds an EdD from the University of Calgary and has several publications; his research interests include comparative education, educational administration and leadership, as well as educational policy development in the MENA region.

Sheree Jederberg

Dr. Sheree Jederberg holds an Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership & Policy from the University of Southern California (USC), She also holds an MA in Education Administration and Leadership from San Diego State University,  as well as a B.A. in English/Creative Writing from San Diego State University, and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of California San Diego, Dr. Jederberg has over 29 years in education, having held Executive Leadership positions in K-12 education, mostly in large urban districts as a Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Secondary Education, and high school principal.  She has taught Graduate and Undergraduate level courses in Educational Leadership & Policy, Curriculum & Instruction, Social Education, Teacher Education, and Secondary Education. She has recently worked as Department Chair and Associate Professor in Education Leadership and Policy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where she worked with the Accreditation of their Doctorate and Master courses, taught Graduate courses, and provided training at Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi, as well as with emerging leaders from Azerbaijan. Her research interests include Collective Creative Leadership –from district level to school to teacher level leadership, Professional Learning Communities, Diversity and Equity, Innovation, and using Data to drive change and reform.