Government rethinks softer teacher entry rules
The Education Ministry has bowed to pressure from academics who have criticised its policy to allow graduates who do not hold a degree in education to enter the teacher recruitment process. Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin said on March 28 the controversial policy would be adjusted by reducing the number of subjects in which graduates without a degree in education are eligible to apply for teaching positions. Currently these graduates are allowed to enter the teacher recruitment process in 61 subjects, but the number would be cut down to 25. However, those who do not hold a degree in education would be allowed to sit for the recruitment exams in those 25 subjects only this year.