Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common inquiries regarding the International Schools Association of
Thailand (ISAT) and its contributions to international education.
General
What is ISAT?
The International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) is a distinguished non-profit organization committed to enhancing excellence in international education throughout Thailand. It serves as a unifying voice and collaborative network for our member schools.
What is ISAT's Vision and Mission?
ISAT envisions raising international education standards and impact in Thailand, thereby cultivating a vibrant and globally aware community. Its mission is to empower member schools through advocacy, professional development, quality assurance, and community engagement, ensuring that students receive a high-quality and internationally recognized education.
What does ISAT do?
ISAT plays a proactive role in supporting its member schools by engaging with both governmental and non-governmental organizations on their behalf. It organizes professional learning opportunities, facilitates quality assurance and accreditation efforts, promotes community involvement, and upholds ethical practices aimed at student well-being. This essential work is carried out through various dedicated committees.
Can ISAT recommend which schools are considered good or not?
ISAT is unable to provide recommendations or rankings for schools. Our association focuses on supporting our member schools without intervening in their internal operations, which limits our ability to offer such evaluations.
Can ISAT mediate grievances between teachers, families, and schools?
ISAT does not facilitate mediation for grievances between teachers, families, and member schools. Our primary role is to support our member schools as an association. We encourage you to reach out to the school administration directly to address any concerns.
How can I find the rankings of international schools in Thailand according to ISAT?
ISAT does not provide rankings for international schools in Thailand or for its member schools. Our emphasis lies in fostering a collaborative network of schools rather than promoting competitive rankings.
Membership & Accreditation
Who can become an ISAT member school?
Membership in ISAT is open to international schools in Thailand that hold a valid license from the Ministry of Education, are actively operational, comply with the Ministry of Education's accreditation requirements, and fulfill ISAT's eligibility criteria.
Does ISAT certify or accredit its member schools?
ISAT does not serve as an accreditation agency or a certifying body. Our purpose is to support and empower our member schools in their pursuit of meeting the high standards established by recognized independent accreditation agencies approved by the Ministry of Education and those set by ONESQA. Each school bears the responsibility of obtaining and maintaining its own accreditation.
What is ISAT's role regarding school accreditation?
ISAT plays a supportive role in encouraging its member schools to adhere to the highest accreditation standards set forth by Ministry of Education-approved overseas agencies and ONESQA. While we advocate for these standards, it is essential to note that ISAT is not an accreditation agency and does not evaluate or validate specific schools; compliance with accreditation standards. This responsibility lies with each individual school.
What types of accreditation must international schools in Thailand have?
In accordance with the law, every international school in Thailand is required to obtain accreditation from an approved overseas agency by the end of its fifth year of operation. Furthermore, all international schools must also undergo the accreditation process with the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA).
As a school, how can I use or request the ISAT logo on my website or materials?
Membership with ISAT is granted on a per-school license basis. Consequently, member schools have the privilege to display the ISAT logo on their websites and promotional materials to signify their affiliation with our association.
Educational Programs & Resources
What types of curricula are offered by ISAT member schools?
ISAT member schools provide a rich variety of internationally recognized curricula. These include the American, British, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and various national curricula from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, India, and Singapore. Additionally, some institutions feature blended curricula or utilize specialized pedagogical approaches, including Montessori and Reggio Emilia, to cater to diverse educational needs.
What is ISAT's stance on safeguarding in schools?
Safeguarding is of the utmost importance to every international school. We actively encourage and support our member schools in implementing the highest standards of safeguarding practices. We believe that it is a collective responsibility involving safe recruitment, ongoing training of staff, and active participation from parents and the broader school community. It is important to note that ISAT does not serve as a regulatory or compliance assessment body in this area.
Does ISAT provide professional learning opportunities for educators?
ISAT is committed to facilitating a wide range of professional learning opportunities for educators. Throughout the year, we organize workshops and training sessions designed for school administrators and teachers that encompass key topics such as evolving teaching methodologies, leadership development, curriculum improvement, and technology integration. Moreover, our member schools often collaborate to offer additional professional learning initiatives to enhance educational practices further.
Finding a School and Resources
How can I find an ISAT member school?
To locate an ISAT member school, we encourage you to utilize our online Member School Directory. This comprehensive tool allows for searches based on various criteria, including school name, geographic region, curricular focus, boarding options, province, and age group. Please note that search results are randomized to ensure equal visibility for all member schools.
How can I verify that the information in the School Directory is accurate?
The information in the School Directory is sourced directly from the member schools. While we encourage schools to maintain accurate and current profiles, we recommend reaching out to the school directly for the most reliable and specific information.
Are there resources available for teachers through ISAT?
Indeed, ISAT offers a range of Teacher Resources designed to support educators within our network. These valuable downloadable materials are largely made possible through the generous contributions of dedicated volunteers from our community. We would like to remind users that these resources are intended strictly for educational purposes and are not to be used for commercial endeavors.
Where can I find information about upcoming ISAT events?
We invite you to visit ISAT's calendar section for details on various upcoming events. Here, you will find information on workshops, professional learning sessions, important meetings, and other activities that interest our member schools and the broader international education community in Thailand.
Vendors and Service Providers
Does ISAT promote or endorse specific vendors or service providers?
ISAT maintains a neutral stance regarding specific businesses and does not endorse any vendors or promote particular offers from external service providers. We recommend that vendors reach out directly to individual schools to propose their services. Our Member School Directory can assist in identifying suitable schools based on factors such as location, age group, or curriculum.
As a vendor or service provider, how can I use or request the ISAT logo?
The use of the ISAT logo by a vendor is permitted only through a direct contract with ISAT for services rendered. The terms of logo usage are determined collaboratively during the contracting process. If ISAT acts solely as a conduit for vendors to connect with schools, then vendors are not authorized to use the ISAT logo.
