The General Directorate of Education in Jeddah Governorate began implementing strict school discipline measures and enforcing attendance and behavior rules this morning, Sunday, starting with the first class period. This move coincides with the return of more than 700,000 students to their classrooms, aiming to ensure a strong and productive start to the second semester of the 1447 AH academic year, focusing on improving learning outcomes and preventing any waste of instructional time.
Advanced educational context and national vision
This procedural tightening is not an isolated event, but rather part of a broader trend within the Saudi Ministry of Education aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the education system in line with the goals of Vision 2030. In recent years, the Ministry has worked to develop monitoring and follow-up mechanisms through the "Noor" electronic system to ensure data accuracy and the swift processing of absence cases. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the phenomenon of absenteeism that typically accompanies the days following or preceding holidays, reflecting a fundamental shift in educational culture towards greater commitment and seriousness.
Field readiness and integration of roles
On the ground, school administrations in Jeddah ensured the smooth and efficient arrival of students, with fully prepared technical and environmental arrangements. Classrooms and halls were designed to be stimulating and safe environments, guaranteeing the smooth and regular operation of the educational process immediately after the morning assembly. Manal Al-Lahibi, Director General of Education in Jeddah Governorate, emphasized that school discipline is the cornerstone of success, stressing that enforcing regulations is not a punitive measure, but rather an educational tool to reinforce values of diligence and perseverance in students, and to encourage them to invest every minute in developing skills and keeping pace with rapid advancements in knowledge.
The educational and economic impact of discipline
Adherence to attendance rules extends far beyond the school walls; school discipline directly contributes to improving students' academic achievement and bridging the educational gap. Furthermore, instilling values of punctuality and respect for rules at a young age is essential preparation for the future job market, thus enhancing the efficiency of the national human capital. Educational studies indicate that a disciplined school environment increases students' mental focus and fosters a positive competitive climate, which is reflected in the overall performance of the governorate and the region.
Effective community partnership
Initial field reports indicated that the integrated roles of the school and the family played a crucial part in achieving high attendance rates on the first day. The growing community awareness of the importance of regular attendance contributed to motivating students to return with high morale. Educational leaders commended the efforts of the administrative and teaching staff who worked to overcome all obstacles in welcoming this large number of students, expressing their hope that this semester will be a model of commitment and excellence.
