Participatory Innovations in Compulsory Education Management Driven by Local Communities for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Despite the existence of clear national policies, the management of compulsory education in Thailand continues to face persistent structural inequalities particularly in terms of resource allocation, quality of learning, and the degree of community participation. These systemic challenges have undermined the education system’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. This article aims to analyze the design of participatory innovations in compulsory education management driven by local communities, as a mechanism for fostering structural, social, and policy-level sustainability in education.  The study employs a theoretical synthesis of key concepts, including compulsory education, community participation (Bray, Epstein), Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory, Putnam's concept of social capital, participatory management (Caldwell and Spinks), and the sustainable development agenda (UNESCO, 2020). A critical analysis is conducted to explore the interconnections between innovative education governance, equitable resource distribution, and localized school–community collaboration. Findings indicate that compulsory education in Thailand remains highly centralized, lacking mechanisms for authentic community engagement. The absence of localized data systems for evidence-based decision-making, along with standardized evaluation frameworks that overlook community contexts, are major barriers to grassroots educational innovation. The article proposes five policy directions 1) reforming resource allocation through context-sensitive mechanisms 2) empowering small schools as community learning hubs 3) building participatory governance infrastructures 4) establishing integrated education information systems for local-level decisions and 5) aligning curricula and assessment systems with local needs and contexts.  Participatory innovation in compulsory education is not merely a technical solution, but rather a transformative structural strategy rooted in education equity and civic empowerment. It represents a vital pathway toward achieving meaningful and sustainable improvements in educational quality, opportunity, and participatory governance.