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11 POLICIES FOR EDUCATION REFORM1. CurriculumCompulsory classes should be limited to five core subjects: Thai, social studies, English, maths and science. Optional classes should be offered in four areas: academic, occupational, art and sport. The ratio of mandatory classes to optional classes should be 1:1. In terms of holistic development, clubs, volunteer activities and counselling should be offered.2. Foreign language learning as preparation for the AECSpeaking, writing, conversation, grammar and vocabulary lessons should promote practical skills. Students should be encouraged to do presentations, write reports or articles in English and be assessed on their communication skills. English-language movies, news and games should be used as teaching materials.- Third languageSchools should offer a third-language learning centre with classes in at least three languages, including that of another ASEAN member state. In addition to language, students should be taught about social and cultural contexts. A teacher exchange programme among ASEAN countries would bring in foreign educators to teach language and culture.Social studies classes should broach economics, business administration, ASEAN citizens’ duties, law and culture.free, high-quality equal education policy.Access to preschool education should be equal for citizens- English6. National book centre3. ASEAN integration- Schools should be assessed in a transparent manner and without prior notice.Students should be encouraged to monitor national and international news, and they should be capable of processing and analyzing new information.- Qualified teachers should have to pass written tests, in- terviews and teaching exams. Teachers should be tested every semester. School heads should be in charge of meting out punishments. Students should be allowed to participate in assessments.ASEAN studies should emphasize practical knowledge rather than rote memorization of foreign symbols, flags or phrases.- Student evaluations should be made more effective and appropriate. The “merit passport” project should be cancelled. ONET, LAS and other national tests should be de-emphasized.Discipline, public consciousness and etiquette should be promoted. Queuing etiquette and public cleanliness would improve a country’s public image.9. DiversityHuman diversity should be promoted and taught in schools so that students can learn to be tolerant of different opinions, genders, beliefs, religions and cultures. Discrimination should be eliminated in order to create a more non-violent and dem- ocratic sphere.The Ministry of Education should take measures to protect human rights, such as abolishing the hair style rule and pro- viding a complaint submission mechanism for anyone witness- ing a human rights violation.The diverse abilities of students should be encouraged in order for them to get the most out of education. Free speech and non-violence should be promoted.Nattanan Warintarawet Secretary General Education for Liberation of SiamPrivate organizations should support ASEAN studies by building libraries and museums and providing useful resources.4. Tackling inequity10. Human rights- Unequal school fundingBudget allocations should be justly and efficiently distrib- uted, so that schools in rural and other areas where funding is inadequate can improve the quality of education and facilities, libraries, internet access and teaching materials.Teacher standards and qualifications should be clearly stipulated, and salaries and incentives should be increased.11. Liberal education- Teacher shortagesEducation studies and the public perception of teachers should be improved. More teachers should be distributed to rural areas to cope with shortages.Proposal by Education for Liberation of Siam (Thai student group)throughout the country.5. Vocational trackSchool safety and security measures should be taken. Workshops and activities should be organized to promote the value of vocational education.The Thai government should support national book centres offering book lending systems and career opportunities.7. Students with special needs- Students with physical impairmentThe Thai government should support the education and improved public perception of those with physical disabilities.- Social anxiety and violenceFamily problems should be addressed. Teachers should treat students with psychological issues with great care.- Unwanted pregnancySex education should be taught from Prathom 4.8. School, teacher and student assessment- Wealth disparityThere should be policies and scholarships aimed at reducing expenses for those in need, as well as a genuinely