Criteria for suspending in-person classes due to rain and wind
The Saudi Ministry of Education announced updated and stricter regulations governing the transition from traditional to distance learning. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 10 to 50 millimeters or more, and strong winds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour top the list of conditions necessitating the suspension of in-person classes in all school buildings. This proactive measure is being implemented in close and continuous coordination with the National Center of Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense, with the aim of ensuring the highest level of protection for students, teachers, and administrative staff from any risks that may arise from severe weather conditions.
The historical development of digital education in the Kingdom
Given the overall context and historical background, we find that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has come a long way in developing its digital infrastructure, particularly in the education sector. Years ago, severe weather fluctuations meant a complete halt to the educational process, impacting students' academic performance. However, with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 and the successful and unique experience gained during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Madrasati platform, the education system has become highly resilient. This historical development has made digital transformation a strategic option available at any time, ensuring the continuity of the educational journey with high efficiency under various weather or emergency conditions.
Mechanism and controls for suspending in-person classes
The Ministry clarified the details of the climatic and environmental conditions that grant crisis management committees in education departments the authority to suspend in-person classes. These conditions include not only rain and wind, but also severe heat waves reaching 51 degrees Celsius and extreme cold waves with temperatures dropping to -7 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the criteria include snowstorms and dense fog that reduces horizontal visibility to less than one kilometer. The authority matrix also outlines additional tools for education directors and school principals to address on-site situations related to the health and safety of buildings, such as dealing with classified epidemics, emergency structural and technical malfunctions, and situations requiring road closures during official visits and international events hosted by the Kingdom.
The expected impact of decisions to suspend studies
This meticulous organization is of paramount importance and has a far-reaching positive impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, this measure reinforces the concept of a safe school and enhances the educational system's readiness to deal with exceptional circumstances with complete flexibility, thus preserving educational gains without jeopardizing the safety of the educational field. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom presents a model to be emulated in managing educational crises and leveraging technology to serve education. The seamless transition to digital education represents a strategic activation of modern educational tools, which have become a fundamental pillar of Saudi education, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to build a smart and sustainable educational environment capable of adapting to all future challenges.
