A 360-DEGREE PERSPECTIVE: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTION FOR SMALL SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Abstract

This study was a qualitative research investigation with the following objectives: 1) to examine the problems and impacts arising from the consolidation of small-sized schools; 2) to investigate the attitudes of stakeholders toward the consolidation of small-sized schools; and, 3) to explore feasible, effective, and widely acceptable approaches to mitigating the impacts of small-sized school consolidation. The key informants consisted of educational administrators, administrators of network schools, administrators of quality schools, teachers, students, parents, community representatives, and members of the Basic Education Committee, totaling 14 participants. The research instruments included semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and the key themes from each component were integrated to synthesize conclusions.
The findings indicated that the consolidation of small-sized schools encountered challenges related to communication with communities, resource preparedness, and resistance from certain stakeholder groups. In terms of impacts, the consolidation had negative effects on students, teachers, educational personnel, and the long-term educational development of network schools. In addition, from an economic perspective, it affected the cost-effectiveness of budget utilization, while from a social perspective, it affected the relationships between schools and their communities. Regarding stakeholder attitudes, most administrators and teachers perceived school consolidation as a necessary policy for resource allocation and the improvement of teaching and learning quality. However, some parents and community members opposed the policy due to concerns about expenses, safety, and impacts on local ways of life. Key approaches to mitigating these impacts included fostering shared understanding among stakeholders, establishing mechanisms for community participation, and defining clear and concrete operational criteria.