O-Net to be pared to four subjects
The Education Ministry yesterday agreed to bring the number of subjects examined in the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-Net) down from eight to four in the near future.
The four to remain are the core subjects of maths, science, Thai and English, said Education Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai.
O-Net is a standard mandatory test imposed on primary and secondary students in the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth grades. The test is held nationwide every February.
Narong said he agreed to the move after it was discussed recently at a high-profile ministry meeting. Tests on the other four subjects, including physical education and social studies, will be held separately by schools, he added.
Education reform is on the national agenda being pushed by the military administration since the Army seized power in May.
A consortium of educational institutions is discussing a proposal for an admission test to enrol 12th graders into universities, but as yet no decision has been made.