Parents in the capital city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, can now keep tabs on their children’s academic records with the swipe of their Emirates ID card.

A smart card reader installed by the Abu Dhabi Education Council at both state schools and private schools that follow the national curriculum enables parents to access a database of their children’s academic history, attendance record, test scores and medical records. They can also track their children’s school assignments and check on holiday dates from home.

Called the Parent Assistant System, it was launched to increase communication between the home and school.

One council official said the system is meant to encourage parents to become more involved in their children’s school activities. “If your daughter or son has a test or you need to find out what the report says, you can do it at home or when at work,” the official said. “You do not need to go to school every time.”

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