In-person system: Al-Ahsa Education implements the third phase with 7 working hours
The General Directorate of Education in Al-Ahsa Governorate announced the commencement of the third phase of the in-person attendance system, coinciding with the adoption of the new summer school schedule in public schools, effective Sunday, the 2nd of Dhu al-Qi'dah. This organizational measure aims to establish a seven-hour school day, while also regulating morning assembly times and the start of classes to ensure the efficiency of educational and administrative performance within the governorate's educational system.
Organizational flexibility in implementing an in-person school system
The Director General of Education in Al-Ahsa Governorate, Tawashi Al-Kinani, explained that the daily working hours for school staff will be calculated with great flexibility, ranging from 6:10 AM to 6:45 AM for all staff. Al-Kinani indicated that the first period will begin promptly at 7:00 AM, emphasizing the importance of direct and continuous coordination with school principals to ensure the smoothest possible operation of the educational process without any obstacles.
The regulatory decision outlines a precise methodology for calculating employee departure times based on the actual time recorded in the system. An employee arriving at 6:10 AM must leave at 1:10 PM. Conversely, if the employee's attendance is recorded at the latest time of 6:45 AM, they must remain until 1:45 PM to ensure the full seven-hour workday is completed without any gaps.
The general context of digital transformation in Saudi education
The expansion of attendance system aligns with the Saudi Ministry of Education's strategic direction towards full digital transformation and improved administrative governance. The system aims to automate attendance and departure tracking for all teaching and administrative staff in schools, thereby reducing wasted time and paperwork. It also provides decision-makers with an accurate and up-to-date database to monitor school discipline and support ongoing development plans for the educational environment, in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The expected impact of flexible summer hours on the educational environment
The implementation of flexible summer working hours, alongside electronic systems, has multiple positive dimensions at both the local and educational levels. From an organizational perspective, the flexibility granted to employees in recording their attendance helps alleviate traffic congestion around schools and on main roads during the early morning hours. This mechanism also helps accommodate the social and family circumstances of teachers and administrators, which positively impacts their psychological well-being and job satisfaction, thus raising the level of productivity and engagement in classrooms for the benefit of students.
Responding to the aspirations of the educational field and the challenges of organization
The Al-Ahsa Education Department indicated that this step came in response to inquiries and suggestions received from the educational field regarding official working hours during the summer. This arrangement contributes to efficiently meeting the demands of fieldwork, while also organizing morning shifts, daily supervision, and organizational tasks within schools in a way that ensures student safety and the smooth and regular running of the school day.
