ADEK advances AI literacy across more than 170 private schools
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has deployed a comprehensive AI literacy framework from KG to Grade 12, supported by assessments, policy safeguards and a major teacher‑training drive.
Programme overview
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is scaling an AI literacy initiative across more than 170 private schools, offering a staged entitlement from kindergarten through Grade 12. The framework takes a human‑centred approach that positions pupils as co‑creators of AI while emphasising ethical judgement and wellbeing at every stage.
Early years provision focuses on critical and logical thinking through age‑appropriate, screen‑free activities. As pupils progress they begin to engage with AI tools, learn to evaluate outputs, develop AI‑powered solutions and, by Grade 12, work towards designing systems and scalable applications.
Curriculum, learner profiles and assessment
The curriculum articulates clear learning outcomes across four strands: conceptual understanding of AI; critical evaluation and informed interaction; solution design and development; and responsible governance, data privacy and societal impact. ADEK defines four AI learner profiles — AI Aware Explorer, AI Literate Thinker, AI Solution Builder (by Grade 8) and Systems & Solutions Designer (by Grade 12) — to map progression.
To measure growth, ADEK has introduced the AI Growth Test, a standardised school‑level assessment administered twice yearly for pupils in Grades 4–12. The test establishes baselines, tracks cohort and individual development, and identifies gaps that can be addressed through targeted bridging lessons.
Policy safeguards and international benchmarking
Implementation is governed by ADEK’s in‑school Technology and AI Policy. Schools must adopt AI learning tools that meet ADEK requirements and maintain the digital infrastructure and staff capabilities necessary for responsible use. The policy sets safeguards in six areas: data protection and student privacy; cognitive agency; academic integrity; human oversight of AI‑generated decisions; content safety and cultural alignment with UAE values; and algorithmic fairness.
Development of the framework has been informed by international and national partners including the OECD, MIT, Microsoft and Khalifa University of Science and Technology to ensure rigour and international benchmarking.
Teacher training and delivery models
Recognising the central role of teachers, ADEK is delivering a three‑level professional development programme targeting 19,000 educators. Level 1 is mandatory foundational AI literacy training that covers core concepts, ethical and responsible use, prompting skills and classroom applications. Level 2 offers subject‑lead integration training for heads of department; Level 3 is advanced mastery training for a designated AI Lead in each school to sustain in‑school expertise.
The curriculum is supported by year‑long lesson plans, teacher toolkits and implementation resources. Schools may integrate the material within existing subjects, use a hybrid model or offer it as a standalone course while ensuring pupils meet the stipulated learning outcomes.
Source: WAM