EQUITY IN EDUCATION: ACCESS AND QUALITY

Abstract

              Equity in education is a crucial factor influencing the quality of life and social opportunities of the population. Although Thailand has policies and laws supporting education for all, disparities in educational access and quality remain significant challenges. This article analyzes equity in education through four key aspects: (1) Access to education for all populations, which presents challenges, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups such as impoverished children and migrant students; (2) Equal quality of education, which is affected by disparities in resources between urban and rural schools; (3) Economic and social support, as family economic status directly impacts educational opportunities; and (4) Fair and inclusive assessment systems, which currently apply uniform standards without considering the diverse contexts of learners. In addition, this study presents strategic approaches to fostering educational equity. These include the use of Adaptive Learning Technology to reduce barriers to access, the development of teachers and curricula tailored to diverse learners based on the concept of School as a Learning Community (SLC), the promotion of collaboration between the public and private sectors to support education—drawing lessons from New Zealand’s educational model, and the design of flexible assessment systems that genuinely reflect students’ potential through the use of constructive feedback. These approaches aim to bridge educational gaps and promote a more equitable and high-quality education system for all.