A Study on Risk Management for Academic Affairs in a Small School under the Office of Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area 2: Multi-Case Study in Excellence School of IQA Award

Abstract

Background and Aims: Academic affairs is the core of school administration. Risk management of academic work in schools is therefore important, especially in small primary schools, where certain high-risk opportunities and factors pose risks. This research aims to study the guidelines for risk management of academic work in small primary schools under the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office, Area 2.

Methodology: This research is a multi-case study. The researcher selected the study area using a specific method, considering 2 schools that received the IQA AWARD Excellent, small school category, in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The tools used to collect data were semi-structured interviews, observation records, document completeness check forms, and consistency assessment forms. The main informants were school administrators and teachers in the schools. Data were analyzed by content analysis according to the research conceptual framework.

Results: It was found that small primary schools have an academic risk management approach according to the 4-step risk management process as follows: (1) Risk identification, consisting of 1) teacher meetings, 2) creating professional learning communities, 3) classroom supervision, and 4) organizational environment analysis. (2) Risk assessment, consisting of 1) assessing the likelihood of risk occurrence, and 2) assessing the impact of risks. It was found that the area with the highest risk and impact is the development of the learning process. (3) Risk management is carried out as follows: 1) Create an understanding for teachers of the importance of learning management plans. 2) Emphasize that all personnel participate in the preparation, improvement, and development of the school curriculum. 3) Encourage teachers to regularly train and develop themselves. 4) Encourage teachers to improve their media production and use of technology in learning management. 5) Create an understanding for teachers of the measurement and evaluation regulations of the school. (4) Risk monitoring and evaluation are used to track progress during and after risk management.

Conclusion: A study of academic risk management guidelines in small primary schools under the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 2 found that the schools did not have a direct academic risk management plan. Instead, the implementation of various projects and activities was routinely undertaken by the schools as part of their educational quality assurance system. Consequently, these guidelines were implemented consistently and continuously. This aligns with the academic risk management process, resulting in systematic and efficient academic administration, enabling students, teachers, administrators, and schools to achieve the quality and educational standards set by the schools.