CURRENT STATUS, PROBLEMS, AND CONTEXT IN DRIVING THE OBEC ZERO DROPOUT POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE 1

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to analyze the current state, problems, and context of driving the OBEC Zero Dropout policy under the Nakhon Si Thammarat Primary Educational Service Area Office 1. Data were analyzed from secondary information systems, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with 16 purposively selected key informants, comprising educational administrators, personnel from the Educational Promotion Group, school administrators, and teachers responsible for student support systems. The results revealed that: 1) Current state: Out of 18,795 students, only 12.15% of schools completed student screening, 34.58% screened partially, and 53.27% had not yet conducted screening. Among those screened, 19.82% were at risk economically and 17.14% mentally, but only 1.89% of at-risk students actually received assistance. 2) Key problems: Student migration following parents without notifying schools, limited screening periods, and parental denial of their children's difficulties. 3) Context and needs: Informants suggested developing a real-time risk-categorized dashboard, utilizing online PLC processes, conducting collaborative home visits, and implementing coaching. The SOAR Analysis synthesis indicated an urgent need to develop administrative innovations at the educational service area level that systematically link early warning systems, proactive preventive measures, and right-restoration mechanisms for out-of-school children. To achieve policy success, three critical gaps must be bridged: the data gap (incomplete screening), the practice gap (discontinuity between risk detection and assistance), and the coordination gap (lack of linking mechanisms among relevant agencies).