Ministry of Education (Jordan)

The Ministry of Education (وزارة التربية والتعليم) in Jordan is a critical government body responsible for developing and administering educational policies and programs throughout the Kingdom. It ensures the provision of quality education from the early years through secondary education, aiming to foster intellectual and social development among Jordanian youth.

The Ministry of Education is currently led by Minister Azmi Mahafzah. The Ministry of Education in Jordan plays a vital role in shaping the future of the nation through its comprehensive educational policies and programs. By continuously striving to improve the quality of education and addressing the evolving needs of its population, the ministry aims to prepare Jordanian students to contribute to their society.

The Ministry of Education in Jordan is located at Suleiman al-Nabulsi Street, next to the Martyr King Abdullah the Founder Mosque, Building Number 1, with a P.O. Box number 1646.

History and structure
The Ministry of Education was established in its current form in 1956, although its roots date back to earlier efforts to formalize education in Jordan during the Emirate of Transjordan in 1921. The ministry operates under the leadership of the Minister of Education, who oversees various departments responsible for different aspects of the educational system, including curriculum development, teacher training, and school administration.

Ministers of Education
This table includes all the Jordanian Ministers of Education along with their respective dates of taking office and leaving office:

Tawjihi examination
The Tawjihi is a pivotal national exam taken by students at the end of their secondary education. It is a comprehensive test that determines eligibility for higher education institutions in Jordan. The exam covers various subjects, and students must achieve high marks to qualify for competitive university programs, such as medicine and engineering.

Higher education and vocational training
Upon passing the Tawjihi, students can pursue higher education in public or private universities, or opt for vocational training. Jordan boasts a robust higher education system with numerous universities and community colleges offering diverse programs. The Ministry of Education also ensures the equivalency of foreign educational qualifications to the Tawjihi, enabling students with international backgrounds to integrate into the Jordanian educational system.

Educational system
The Jordanian educational system is structured into three main levels:
 * 1) Pre-school Education: This includes kindergarten and other early childhood education programs.
 * 2) Basic Education: This compulsory stage lasts for 10 years, beginning at age 6. It aims to provide students with fundamental skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.
 * 3) Secondary Education: After completing basic education, students enter secondary education, which spans two years and culminates in the General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (Tawjihi). Students can choose between academic and vocational tracks, depending on their interests and career aspirations.

Challenges
Jordan's education system faces several challenges, including the integration of a large number of refugee children from neighboring conflict zones, such as Syria and Iraq. The Ministry has been working on reforms to accommodate these students and ensure they receive quality education despite the challenges.