1 Adult Learning Policy Achievements ( ) and future perspectives Adult Learning Policy Achievements ( ) and future perspectives 17 November 2011 Martina Ní Cheallaigh DG EAC: Adult Education and Grundtvig

2 Action Plan on Adult Learning Main aim: increase participation Benchmark 12.5% of year by 2010 E&T 2020 raised benchmark to 15% Focus: those who are disadvantaged because of their low literacy levels, inadequate work skills and /or skills for successful integration into society

3 Effects of national E&T reforms on adult learning LLL strategies: Integrated approach, involving multiple stakeholders European tools and their emphasis on learning outcomes –EQF/NQFs –Key competences Modernisation of schools - AL compensatory - literacy, second chance also for ELS VET and HE

4 Improve the quality of adult education provision QA underpins transparency and mobility 10 years developing in HE and VET EQAVET applicable to CVT, hence adult ed. Small providers wary of over-zealous control Improved information & better understanding of staff competences and training needs Grundtvig in-service training and exchanges

5 Increasing the possibility for adults to go “one step up” Most work & progress done on this priority Concentration on disadvantaged groups Inventory of good practice in 33 countries Guidelines promoting what works: multiple actors, learner centred, embedding, zigzag route - cycle of guidance, quality staff, assessment Literacy & numeracy foundation skills for other key competences and job skills

6 Speeding up the process of assessing & recognising non-formal and informal learning EU Guidelines to encourage implementation 2009 Updating European Inventory 2010 –Impact of NQF development, developments in voluntary sector, applied to the AL profession, low uptake Not a stand alone solution but does work for disadvantaged groups Acceptance requires a new culture of learning – may come with job/career transitions Supported by Adult Education Survey evidence

7 Improved monitoring of the adult learning sector Adult Education Survey a step forward at EU level Countries conscious of the need but cost of action a problem Monitoring at national level necessary for virtuous chain: data collection, evaluation and impact assessment, feedback to reforms Data on financing sources and spending urgent Core terminology in 28 languages Core data proposal: adult skills, participation in adult learning, professional development of teachers and financing of adult learning Great expectations from PIAAC

8 Staff Working Document: Overall assessment and impact on the sector Structured EU level cooperation on adult learning established Requirements for an efficient adult learning sector defined, but work is in its infancy Action Plan as a useful reference for staying on track vis-à-vis other Member States, defining national strategies, reforms, etc. PLAs, workshops, regional meetings and good practices generated highly appreciated

9 Reasons to continue Countries find it helpful to have a common reference with milestones for cooperation and exchange Give a vision for adult learning by 2020 Europe 2020 – contribution to economic recovery, sustainable and inclusive growth –Agenda for new skills and jobs –Platform against poverty –Innovation Union –Headline targets – early school leavers, tertiary education Place in the context E&T 2020 and propose working methods for EU cooperation on adult learning,

10 Council Resolution on a European Agenda for Adult Learning ET 2020 strategic objectives: Lifelong learning and learning mobility Improve the quality and efficiency of provision and outcomes Promote equity, social cohesion and active citizenship Enhance innovation and creativity including entrepreneurship Improving the knowledge base and monitoring

11 What will be the new elements? Raising awareness among adults about skills Learning later in life to promote active, autonomous and healthy ageing Developing new skills necessary for active participation in modern society; Fostering solidarity between different age groups, between cultures and people of all backgrounds Greater openness in higher education to adults and the community at large Designation of national coordinators

12 Broader policy context EU2020 – Moment of transformation –dilemma of c. 80 million low skilled versus demand for digital and higher job-specific skills; poverty; innovation 15% LLL Benchmark – downward trend since 2005 Outcomes of Action Plan point towards prioritising disadvantaged and low qualified Future agenda for Adult Learning will take up this message in Council Resolution, November 2011 High Level Group on Literacy, report in summer 2012 Recommendation on Early School Leaving, June 2011 Work in progress on validation, skills passport PIAAC results 2013 will give many countries a clearer understanding of the extent of the problem nationally