More foreign English teachers set to be hired as Thais aim for better than basic English

More foreign English teachers could be hired next year as Thai educationalists attempt to improve English language abilities in schools nationwide. 

The Thais want to see levels among M6 students (the last grade in high school) rise from basic levels to those of “independent users” of the language, a mid range of ability according to an international scale.

More budgets could soon become available for schools at a district and provincial level to fund special English classes. 

Dr Amnat Wichayanuwat of the Office of the Basic Education Commission was speaking to Daily News after the latest meetings to improve English standards in Thai schools. 

Measures expected to be announced by the end of the year will allow schools to increase the amount of English being taught in the next academic year. This will be nationwide at district and provincial level schools. 

The aim is to boost the English levels of M6 students to level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. The “A” scales indicate basic usage of English, “B” refers to independent users and “C” to proficient users and speakers. 

B2 is thus at the better end of the B scale. 

Discussions are still underway as to where the teachers will come from. Some will probably be Thai but there is every likelihood that budgets will be available to employ more foreign teachers. 

There is still the possibility that there are enough in Thailand already as the discussions are ongoing.

It is still being discussed as to who would source the new teachers; this might be down to individual schools though it might be under the remit of Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan though contact with foriegn consulates and embassies. 

Measure on how to finance the new teachers are being discussed with proposals set to be in place for the next budget round allowing matters to proceed. 

Thai Visa / Daily News

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