External Assessments
National Agenda Parameter
In adherence to the UAE’s National Agenda Parameter Guidelines for Dubai schools, DMES students participate in the yearly testing cycles for the following external benchmark assessments. Please check the links for the corresponding parent guide for each test below.
Assessments list
MAP is a computer adaptive test created by NWEA that students take two to three times per school year. The results provide teachers with information to help them deliver appropriate content for each student and determine each student’s academic growth over time in Reading, Language, Mathematics and Science.
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is a diagnostic assessment that is designed to help students and their teachers understand how they learn and what their academic potential might be. It assesses how students think in areas that are known to make a difference to learning. Tasks involve thinking about shapes and patterns (Non-Verbal Reasoning), words (Verbal Reasoning), numbers (Quantitative Reasoning) and some questions are answered by mentally generating and transforming visual images (Spatial Ability).
The International Benchmark Tests is an internationally administered program of assessments to compare student performance globally, between grades and over time. The IBT allows individual student performance to be tracked against international standards. The tests cover English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic Language and Reasoning.
TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) is an international assessment that measures student learning in mathematics and science. Every 4 years, TIMSS documents worldwide trends in the knowledge of Grade 4 & 8 students.
PISA or Programme for International Student Assessment is a test of knowledge and skills for 15 year-old students in reading, mathematics and science. It is designed to assess students who are preparing to proceed to either post-secondary education or the labor market.
PBTS (PISA-Based Test for Schools) follows the internationally recognized assessment frameworks used in the PISA studies; measures students’ knowledge and skills in three core subjects: reading, mathematics and science.
PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) is a large-scale, international assessment that monitors trends in students’ reading achievement at the fourth grade level.
SAT 1 & 2 are curriculum-neutral, standardised tests of reading, writing and mathematics for students in Grades 11 or 12 in US curriculum schools.
PSAT 10 is one of four tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments—all of which test students on the knowledge and skills they need for college.
The Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) is national system of standardized computer-based tests, based on national standards in the United Arab Emirates; the primary university admission criteria for public & private universities in the UAE.