Quality Assurance and Accreditation (The Egyptian Experience)

1. Quality Assurance and Accreditation (The Egyptian Experience) Dr. Salwa B. El-Magoli Chairperson QAAP Dr. Salwa B. El-Magoli 16/1/2007Dr.Salwa B. El-magoli Cairo: 16/1/2007

2. Context • The Philosophy • Quality Assurance and Accreditation Project (QAAP) • Key Features of the Egyptian System. • Building on Success: Issues • Achievements • Future Vision

3. The Philosophy • Investing in people yields the best results • Improving education is the best form of investment for the future of Egypt • Quality assurance of education is the gateway to improving standards and competitiveness • Positioning Egyptian universities and graduates world wide

4. QAAP Project • Quality Assurance and Accreditation project (QAAP) strives to improve quality, efficiency and relevance of Higher Education in Egypt • QAAP is governed by a National Committee (NQAAC) nominated by the Minister of Higher Education and State for Scientific Research

5. National Committee • The Committee is composed of: • 15 members representing Egyptian Governmental Universities • 9 members representing NGOs, Private universities, SCU and other experts in quality assurance

6. Project’s Mission Ensuring the quality, continuous improvement and efficient performance of Egyptian Higher Education Institutions. Increasing society's confidence in the caliber and capabilities of university graduates.

7. Strategic Objectives • Building the capacity of Egyptian universities to be ready to apply for accreditation • Raising academic standards nationally • Establishing the Egyptian model for Quality Assurance and Accreditation • Supporting the establishment of NQAAA

8. Building the Capacity of Egyptian Universities • Creating Awareness • Initiating and Funding Projects • Developing the capabilities of academic staff with respect to quality assurance • Publishing Guidance Documents • Developmental Engagements • Assessing Impact

9. StrategicPlanning University Level QAAP Projects 188 QualityAssurance Centers InternalQuality Systems University Level Faculty Level National AcademicReference Standards Sector Level

10. Workshop Activities

11. Key Features of the Egyptian System • Mission-sensitive • Enhancement Model • Evaluation Framework • Outcomes-related • Published Criteria • Focuses on Academic Standards • Quality Assurance and Accreditation Handbook • Internal systems leading to Self-evaluation by institutions • Developmental Engagements • Encourages capacity-building

12. Model of Internal Quality Assurance System Mission Specification ILOs Programme Specification Course Specification External references Points including NARS Engagement With stakeholders Run Programme Action Plans Annual Review Courses and Programme Report Apply for Accreditation Periodic Strategic Review Report

13. Evaluation Framework for Developmental Engagementand Accreditation

14. Academic Standards of Programmes • Intended learning outcomes • Curriculum • Student assessment • Student achievement • Quality of Learning Opportunities • Teaching and learning • Student support • Learning resources • Research and other scholarly activities • Community Involvement • Effectiveness of QualityManagement and Enhancement

15. Academic Standards of Educational Programmes • Specification • Need for National and International Comparability • International referencing • Egyptian National Academic Reference Standards (NARS) • Verification

16. Strategic Plan َQACenters NARS Internal Quality Assurance Systems Annual Self Evaluation SiteVisit Developmental Engagement ActionPlan Ready to apply for accreditation

17. Establishment of National Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation • Activities: Sharing in: • Draft • Mission • Vision • Structure • Articles • Development of methods • Achievements • Presidential Endorsement of the Law June 2006

18. Achievements of Quality Assurance and Accreditation Project

19. 1: Achievements in Faculties Supported the establishment of internal quality assurance systems in 60% of all faculties Generated self-evaluation reports for participating faculties Established a programme of developmental engagements Stimulated faculties to produce action plans to be ready to apply for accreditation

20. 2: Achievements in Universities • Development and External Evaluation of strategic plans in public Universities • Establishment of quality assurance centers in Universities

21. 3: National Achievements in Higher Education Development of National Academic Reference Standards Building a resource in trained and experienced peer reviewers Produced publications in partnership with stakeholders

22. 4: Overall Achievements of QAAP Created a fit for purpose model of Quality Assurance and Enhancement Stimulated an awareness of Quality Assurance principles and culture in Egyptian Society Built the capacity of academic staff to engage with quality assurance Motivated Higher Education institutions to enhance the quality of their provision Contributed to regional development Promoted Egyptian initiatives worldwide

23. Building on Success: IssuesIn Universities Increasing the level of participation by all institutions Embedding the new systems and processes Achieving self-sustaining internal and external quality assurance and continuing improvement

24. Building on Success: IssuesIn all Sectors Increasing the level of participation in quality assurance developments by all institutions Funding of higher education Governance Student admissions Raising the level of confidence in academic standards

25. Future Vision • Cooperation with the future national agency for quality assurance and accreditation • Sustainability of quality systems in higher education • Continuation of support for higher education institutions • Spread Quality Assurance philosophy throughout all higher education • Implementation of Quality assurance systems in all higher education institutions

26. Conclusion The Pathway to the Futureis working Together to Achieve our Goals

27. THANK YOU