the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) E and T 2010 and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Michael Graham European Commission, DG Education and Culture

Structure of presentation E and T 2010 Work Programme: objectives, benchmarks, common references, LLL EQF: development, legislation, implementation

Education and Training 2010 work programme Launched 2004 Common objectives (quality and effectiveness, facilitate access, open up to the wider world) Peer-learning: 8 clusters e.g. HE, ICT Monitoring of progress Reporting Reference tools supporting national reforms

Measurement : five key benchmarks By 2010: Reading literacy: at least 20% fewer low-achieving 15 year olds than in 2000 Upper-secondary completion: at least 85% of 22 year olds Maths, science, technology: at least 15% more graduates than in 2000 and better gender balance Lifelong learning participation : at least 12.5% of 25-64 year olds Early school leaving : no more than 10%

Education and Training 2010 work programme Two main policy strands: Jobs and growth Social inclusion and citizenship

LLL strategies – essential features Covering all ages, systems and levels Strategic overview and coherent set of priorities, evidence-based Flexible learning pathways, effective transition points, avoid dead-ends Built on partnership with stakeholders, disseminated and implemented

Outputs achieved Lifelong Learning Strategies in each country … Joint Reports of Council and Commission on progress towards Lisbon : 2004, 2006, 2008 Annual progress reports on indicators and benchmarks Communications on Higher Education modernisation 8 key competences European Mobility Charter Principles for validation of non formal/informal learning Quality assurance in Higher Education and VET Lifelong Guidance policies & Handbook for policy-makers Languages Action Plan 2004-2006 EUROPASS Communications on Investment and Efficiency and Equity of Education and Training systems Proposal for EQF Recommendation Communication on Adult learning EIT proposal

EQF Barriers to lifelong learning and mobility: between Member States and between systems, e.g. between higher education and VET MSs asked COM to develop instrument for transparency of qualifications and mobility 2004-06 – COM, MSs, experts developed EQF

EQF: approach and objectives Looks at learning outcomes 8 levels covering general, HE and VET – i.e. LLL Create common reference framework as translation device between qualifications systems and levels Aims: enhance mobility and LLL

Country A Country B EQF Level 8 NQF/ NQS EQF Level 7 EQF Level 6

Implementation in countries Existing NQFs: Ireland, UK France, Malta Commitment to NQF: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Turkey Considering or preparing NQFs: Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania and Sweden Not preparing: Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Iceland

Legislative process: state of play Commission adopted EQF proposal on 5 Sept 2006 Council agreed “General approach” in November 2006 European Parliament adopted report June 2007 Plenary debate – Sept 2007 Approved by 16th November Education Council 2007 Member States must relate their national qualification by 2010 National qualifications contain reference to the EQF by 2012

Main issues so far Agreement on 2010 and 2012 for relating systems to EQF and referring qualifications Relation to Bologna process Quality assurance National coordination points Validation of non-formal and informal learning (stressed in EP)

Support for implementation EQF Implementation Advisory Group (32 countries and social partners): met March 2007 Following formal adoption of EQF, a formal European advisory group will be set up EQF pilot projects: 2006 and 2007 Guidelines for implementation being prepared EQF launch conference February 2008