1. Challenges for Schools in Slovenia Justina Erčulj Šola za ravnatelje (National Leadership School) www.solazaravnatelje.si Justina.erculj@solazaravnatelje.si

2. Facts and Figures about Slovenia Facts about Slovenia Location in Europe: Central Europe - Mediterranean Europe Area: 20.273 km 2 The highest peak : Triglav (2.864 m) Length of Adriatic coastline: 46.6 km Population: ~ 2.000.000TriglavAdriatic coastline

3. The National Leadership School headship licence programme in-service training for managerial and teaching staff in education co-operation with teaching staff in schools coaching and consultancy for head teachers international activities and projects publishing participation in Slovene school reform

4. Levels in Education System in Slovenia Pre-school education Elementary schools Secondary education (general education – gymnasia, vocational and technical education) Post-secondary vocational education Higher education

5. Figures in Education Pre-school institutions808 Elementary schools816 Secondary schools140 Post-secondary colleges 41 Universities 3

6. Principles of Educational Reform Accessibility and transparency of the public education system Legal neutrality Choice at all levels Democracy, autonomy and equal opportunities Quality of learning not accumulation of facts

7. CONFLICTING DEMANDS Education for all Prolonged compulsory education Lifelong learning Stress on team work and collaboration Values, such as: environmental protection, tolerance, understanding. Increased social differences High rate of dropp-out Complaints about little knowledge Allientaion Increased violence, competitiveness and stress on material values

8. Dangers for schools From Knowledge Education Effectiveness Concepts Influence responsibility To Skills Training Efficiency Implementation Conformity acountability

9. Current educational discourse in Slovenia On the one hand External accountability (testing) Quality assessment and quality assurance Drop-out in vocational schools On the other hand Pupil-centred learning Inclusion Schools as cnetres of change Life long learning for all

10. Challenges for Schools Declining birth rates Balance between accountability and autonomy Revival of vocational education Competence-based education at all levels Bologna declaration

11. Challenges for School Leaders Day-to-day management and pedagogical leadership “Civil servants” and professionals External accountability and internal responsibility

12. PUPIL LEARNING Schools as professional learning communities