Modern Arabic Literature * BY PAUL STARKEY

Islamic Schooling in the Cultural West: A Systematic Review of the Issues Concerning School Choice

“…Islamic schools offer a cultural environment that supports their behavioral and moral values, such as not abusing drugs, not being involved in violence, and not exhibiting sexual promiscuity; as such, they are different from traditional public schools (Badawi 2006). Besides preserving religious and sociocultural values, Islamic schools are also seen by many British Muslims as protective against racism (Shah 2012).…”

“…Muslim parents often worry about the use of foul language, illicit drugs and concerns related to unwarranted sexual attitudes and peer pressure in the traditional public schools (Badawi 2006). Parental dissatisfaction with traditional public schools also occurs when schools' curricula do not reflect their values.…”

“…in the Netherlands are far more secularized in comparison to Muslim parents at Islamic schools (Dronkers 2016). Parents value Islamic schools when they observe religious practices, knowledge and attitudes inculcated in their children (Badawi 2006). Students at Dutch Islamic schools cut classes less frequently, score well on final examinations, and their teachers feel they are less likely to drop out (Driessen and Valkenberg 2000).…”

“…106-7)) described curriculum, location and finances as the three major challenges for Islamic schools in the US. Badawi (2006) described the challenges as lack of facilities, resources, programs and services in Islamic schools in the US. The scarcity of finances not only affects science labs and libraries, but also the school's ability to hire and retain quality teachers.…”