FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Four subjects to be removed from O-Net exams

Four subjects to be removed from O-Net exams

Education Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai yesterday instructed the National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) to discuss eliminating four subjects from the O-Net exam, leaving only four - mathematics, science, Thai and English.

That would allow schools to assess four other subjects that better reflect each location’s context without skewing the results of centralised tests.
The move was aimed at ensuring that the Ordinary National Educational Test or O-Net could truly evaluate students’ performances.
When NIETS’ board reaches an agreement on the proposal, it could share it with the ministry.
The ministry is also allowing on a trial basis 20 educational area offices covering 300 schools to develop their own curriculum and tests for the next academic year.
NIETS chief Samphan Phanphrut said the agency went ahead with the University National Educational Test, designed to gauge graduates’ competence in the Thai and English languages and critical thinking.
U-Net would be voluntary – not a condition for graduation or employment.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a statement objecting to the Education Ministry’s plan to close or merge small schools on the grounds that it violated people’s constitutional right to a basic education.
The NHRC suggested solutions including cutting down on unnecessary budgets; decentralising management and budgeting to educational area offices, schools and local bodies; and adjusting guidelines for teacher and curriculum development and the inclusion of high-potential personnel, like local wise men, to promote small schools’ quality and relevance to the community.
 

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