Systemic Enhancement of O-NET Achievement: Integrating Systems Approach to School Improvement and Improvement Science

Abstract

This academic article aims to propose an innovative conceptual framework to address the chronic quality crisis in Thai education, analyzing the volatility and complexity of Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) scores. Employing a rigorous documentary research methodology, this study utilizes a "Qualitative Synthesis Matrix" to decode success factors from high-performing education systems and meta-analytic research. The synthesis yields the "Systemic Achievement Enhancement Cycle (SAEC)," a process innovation that integrates the structural stability of the "Systems Approach" with the dynamic agility of "Improvement Science." The framework comprises four key phases: 1) Systemic Diagnosis and Goal Setting, 2) Capacity Building and Co-Design, 3) Iterative Implementation via PDSA cycles, and 4) Knowledge Scaling. The article provides a critical analysis of the incongruities involved in adapting global theories to the Thai context and advocates for a policy paradigm shift from "Judgmental Accountability" to "Intelligent Accountability." Concrete mechanisms such as "O-NET Innovation Sandboxes" are proposed to foster a data-driven culture that sustainably enhances student competency tailored to local contexts.