Academic Involvement
When the Thai Ministry of Education enforced the Act for “Education for all”, some
small projects under the strategic plan were implemented. These projects aimed to lead to
the development of improved policies and practices within the specific contexts, and at the
same time draw academics to get involved and that would lead to be of interest to wider
practitioners and research communities. Those projects were 1) Sent four instructors from
the Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University for certificates in special education, and a
mastersí Degree Program for special education was offered. 2) Allocated thirty scholarships
for school teachers to get a Mastersí degree in special education in the Faculty of
Education.
The scholarships for school teachers are to equip them with knowledge in special
education. This seemed to be a one-time project. Besides, the Ministry of Education has a
high rate of turnover, so no one has followed up on this scheme any more. However, the
thirty school teachers who worked with students with diverse needs in the provinces of
Northeastern Thailand went on implementing the inclusive education program. This group
of teachers may be a good foundation in terms of leading teachers in special education. And
when it comes to inclusive classroom management, they could be key factors for driving
towards inclusive development.