Laos Moves to Cut Student Dropouts and Improve Teaching Quality

Kaleum: The National Education Administrators Meeting for the 2025-2026 academic year was held in Luang Prabang Province on August 19, 2026, under the theme 'Addressing Student Dropout Rates and Improving Teaching Quality.' According to Lao News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalith Mangnormek. It focused on reviewing preparations for the 2026-2027 academic year and assessing progress made under the 10th Five-Year Education and Sports Sector Development Plan. Out of the 13 targets related to education, science, and sports that were reviewed, four have been achieved, four are progressing toward completion, while five remain unmet. The unmet targets are attributed to internal and external challenges faced by the sector. Key issues identified include discrepancies in teacher capacity, reliance on teacher-centred teaching methods, limited practical training and learning materials, and insufficient monitoring and training. Additionally, the lea rning environments were noted to be unattractive. External factors such as economic difficulties, social pressures, weak coordination between schools and families, and drug-related problems were highlighted as contributing to student dropout rates. Participants in the meeting discussed strategies to enhance teaching quality, reduce dropout rates, and strengthen teacher development. Measures include preparations for implementing the 6+3+3 general education system and training teachers for the new curriculum.