Development of Saudi public education in relation to the Tenth Development Plan 2015–2019: An analytical study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to address the development of Saudi public education in relation to the Tenth Development Plan 2015–2019, the main changes associated with the plan, and their impacts on educational development. It includes an analysis of previous academic studies and national statistics and discusses the major influences and outcomes of the associated changes. A descriptive approach was used in this study, especially when analyzing the related educational literature, as well as systematic interpretation based on an understanding of societal, pedagogical, and educational relationships and interactions. In addition, philosophical analysis was utilized to separate the complex interrelated concepts and develop an approach that could be used to avoid conceptual overlap and entanglement. Vision 2030 is deemed the natural successor to the previous development plans, and this triad of pillars could be considered to represent the Kingdom’s 2030 vision, which has been under development since the First Development Plan was devised for the period of 1970–1975. From 2015 to 2019, there was continuous growth in the number of public education schools throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which exceeded the expectations of the Tenth Development Plan 2015–2019. The increase in the number of schools was almost constant between 2015 and 2018, exceeding the expected number (107–109%). The actual number of schools exceeded the expectations of the Ministry of Education in 2019, reaching 115% of the expected number. A main outcome of this study is the recommendation to utilize the increased number of schools for extracurricular and after-school activities. Moreover, the importance of unifying the classification of educational levels and specializations is highlighted as a contributing factor for achieving the goals of planning and developing the labour market. Also, it is important to equip teachers with the skills and abilities they need to manage the responsibilities, consequences, and challenges associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Keywords: Development. Public Education, Tenth Development Plan 2015-19 OF Saudi Arabi

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-5-04

Publication date: May 30^th 2025