Enhancing the Student Support System in Opportunity Expansion Schools: Current Challenges and Needs for Change

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the current conditions and the needs for enhancing the student support system in opportunity expansion schools. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The sample comprised 220 school administrators, teachers, and related personnel. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed through descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results revealed that the overall current implementation of the student support system was at a low level. Among the components, policy and management received the highest mean score, followed by teachers and personnel, while collaboration was the lowest. In terms of the desired conditions, the overall mean was at a high level, with the highest expectations in teachers and personnel, followed by policy and management, and the lowest in budget. The needs index indicated a high level of necessity, especially in policy and management, followed by teachers and personnel, while collaboration remained the lowest. Qualitative findings suggested that school management should align policies and structures with contextual needs, establish a systematic student information system, and develop responsible teachers to be both professional and ethical. Furthermore, appropriate resource allocation and active engagement from all sectors through collaborative networks were deemed essential. The findings underscore the importance of a systematic and sustainable development approach to strengthen the effectiveness of the student support system in opportunity expansion schools.