Quality of education at local, regional, national and European

level

Future objectives of Education and training systems

For the future of EuropeBy

Yves Beernaert, KHLeuven

A proverb

When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people

References

Draft Council conclusions on the follow-up to the report on the concrete objectives of education and training systems; 29 Nov. 2001

Communication from the Commission: Making a European area of lifelong learning a reality; 29 Nov. 2001

Socrates II, Leonardo da Vinci, Youth etc.Innovative schools, OECD, 1999http://www.europa.eu.int

Lisbon European council23-24/03/2000

The European Union is to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based society in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion

Communication from the Commission 21/11/2001

Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality

Lifelong learning is, however, about much more than economics. It also promotes the goals and ambitions of European countries to become more inclusive, tolerant and democratic.

Resolution of 1976 on education

Migrants childrenKnowledge of education systemsFacts and figuresEqual opportunitiesLanguagesHigher education

Since 1976

1987: Erasmus1988: Resolution on European dimension1989: Lingua1992 – 1994: MSP pilot (school partnerships)1995: Socrates I2000: Socrates II2006: Socrates III ???

Since Report Lisbon Council

Report on the Future Concrete Objectives of Education and Training Systems (Feb.2001)

Follow-up to Objectives report (Nov.2001)

The eLearning initiative as part of the eEurope action plan (2000)

A European area of lifelong learning (2001) based on the Memorandum on lifelong learning

A European research area (2001-2)

29 November 2001

Draft Conclusions on the follow-up report on the concrete future objectives of

education and training systems

in view of the preparation of the Joint Council/Commission report to be

presented to the Spring 2002 European Council in Barcelona

3 strategic objectives

1. Improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems in Europe

2. Facilitating access of all to education and training systems

3. Opening Up education and training systems to the wider world

Strategic objective 1

1. Improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems in Europe

Strategic objective 1

1.1. Improving education and training for teachers and trainers

1.2.Developing skills for the knowledge society

1.3. Ensuring access to ICT for everyone1.4. Increasing the recruitment to

scientific and technical studies1.5. Making the best of resources

1.1. Improving education and training for teachers and

trainersSupport teachers and trainers, (3 I’s in LLL)Skills teachers and trainers needs for changing

role in knowledge society: coach, facilitatorSufficient level of entry of profession; long term

needs; making teaching more attractiveRecruit teachers with other professional

experience

1.2. Developing skills for the knowledge society

Identifying new basic skills; integrate them with traditional skills in curricula

Basic skills accessible to all, including less advantaged

Promoting official validation of basic skills

(competencies and skills)

1.3. Ensuring access to ICT for everyone

Adequate equipment and educational software to apply ICT and eLearning processes in teaching and training

Encourage the best use of innovative teaching and learning techniques based on ICT

(Eur. Computer driving Licence, learning platforms etc.)

1.4. Increasing the recruitment to scientific & technical studiesIncrease interest in maths, science and

technology from an early ageMotivating young peole to choose studies in

those fields and research careers and scientificic disciplines with shortages of qualified personnel

Improve gender balance in this fieldSufficient teachers in those fields(co-operation with science museums, research

institutes, specialised companies)

1.5. Making the best of resources

Increase investment in human resources and ensure an equitable and effective distribution

Support the development of compatible quality assurance systems respecting diversity

Develop the potential of public-private partnership

(professional development teachers, staff)

Strategic objective 2

Facilitating access of all to education and training systems

Strategic objective 2

2.1. Open learning environments2.2. Making learning more attractive2.3. Supporting active citizenship, equal

opportunities and social cohesion

2.1. Open learning environments

Broaden access to lifelong learning: information, advice and guidance

Enhance effective participation of adult sin LL combined with other responsibilities and activities

Learning accessible to allFlexible learning paths (dual learning systems)

2.2. Making learning more attractive

Encourage young people to remain after end of compulsory education

Official validation of non formal learningMaking learning more attractive in

formal, informal and non formal education

(APEL, portfolios)

2.3. Supporting active citizenship, equal opportunities

and social cohesionPromote learning of democratic values and

democratic participationIntegrate fully equal opportunities in education

and trainingEnsure fair access to acquisition of skills for

less privileged(active citizenship, peer education models,

violence in schools)

Strategic objective 3

Opening Up education and training systems to the wider world

Strategic objective 3

3.1. Strengthening the links with working life and research, and society at large

3.2. Developing the spirit of enterprise3.3. Improving foreign language learning3.4. Increasing mobility and exchange3.5. Strengthening European co-

operation

3.1. Strengthen the links with working life and research and

society at largePromote close co-operation between education

and training systems and society at largePartnerships between all types of education,

training, firms and research facilities

(Learning communities: www.barcelona2004.org)

3.2. Developing the spirit of enterprise

Promote sense of initiative and creativity to develop entrepreneurship

Facilitate acquisition of skills needed to set up and run a business

(www.csreurope.org)

3.3. Improving foreign language learning

Encourage everyone to learn TWO or more languages and increase awareness for foreign language learning

Encourage schools and training institutions to use efficient teaching and training methods to motivate language learning

(language portfolio)

3.4. Increase mobility and exchange

Provide widest access to mobilityMonitor mobilityFacilitate validation and recognition of

competencies acquired during mobility

(portfolios, Europass)

3.5. Strengthening European co-operation

Enhance recognition processes for further study, training and employment through Europe

Promote co-operation between responsible organisations and authorities towards quality assurance and accreditation

Transparency of information on education and training opportunities to create the open European area for education

The role of the regions in Europe

Develop regional strategiesCo-operation with other regionsRegional (learning, educational) auditsRegional (learning) objectivesRegional funding in specific areasCo-operation Committee of the RegionsLearning regions

European projects

Partnerships as learning organisationsSchools integrated into learning

communitiesEuropean partnerships linking across the

wider world (Mediterranean!)Active methodologies (e.g. Constructivist)Strong evaluation

Innovative schools as learning communities

Caring environmentInnovative Learning environment Promotion of active (global) citizenshipInternationalisation + networkingProfess. development staff, heads,

teachersLinks school and community

Conclusion

It takes a village to raise a child !