On February 22, 2021, a pivotal educational decision was issued with a noble directive, aiming to develop the educational system and enhance equal opportunities for students by restructuring the paths of secondary education. This decision came in response to recommendations from a comprehensive study conducted by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Education and Training Evaluation Commission.
**Context and Strategic Objectives**
The results of international tests showed a decline in the academic achievement indicators of Saudi students compared to global standards, especially in mathematics and sciences. A national study conducted on 500 schools revealed that 40% of graduates face difficulties in choosing the appropriate university specialization. The restructuring aimed to address these gaps by providing early specialized paths that align with students’ inclinations and future labor market needs.
**Details of the New Paths**
The new system is divided into four main paths:
1. The general path: focuses on humanities and administrative sciences.
2. The natural and applied sciences path: delves into advanced physics and mathematics.
3. The business management path: prepares students for the labor market through curricula in economics and marketing.
4. The Sharia path: deepens Islamic and legal studies.
Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al-Sheikh stated: “This qualitative leap will produce a generation capable of leading economic transformation.”
**Reactions and Practical Implementation**
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission welcomed the decision, noting that 78% of parents in a survey of 3,000 families expressed optimism about increasing their children’s job opportunities. The Ministry of Human Resources also announced a partnership to link curricula with the requirements of “Vision 2030.” The experimental application began in 100 schools during the 2021-2022 academic year, with full implementation expected by 2023-2024.
**Long-term Expected Consequences**
The Ministry of Education expects a 15% increase in students’ results in international PISA tests within five years. The new system will also reduce the rate of university specialization transfers, according to a report from the National Center for Vocational Training. It is worth mentioning that the decision received support from the Shura Council, which praised its flexibility in keeping pace with sustainable development.
This educational transformation represents a strategic leap that reshapes the future of Saudi generations, aligning educational outputs with national development needs and the variables of the times, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s competitive position on the global map.