SCHE in the Netherlands and other developments Hans Daale Leido Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Overview ► Leuven: RPL, LLL and SCHE ► SCHE and the NQF in the Netherlands ► Actual developments ► The future… ► Success factors for SCHE, international ► Some recommendations / ideas (for the project) Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

But first of all… ► Situation in Bulgaria: ► Use international developments and good practices ► Use standards, international agreements and frameworks ► Use the input from experts in other countries ► Be transparent, with respect to ‘other situations’… ► Take your time… Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Leuven communiqué (RPL and LLL) ► Successful policies for lifelong learning will include basic principles and procedures for recognition of prior learning on the basis of learning outcomes regardless of whether the knowledge, skills and competences were acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning paths. ► The development of national qualifications frameworks is an important step towards the implementation of lifelong learning. Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Leuven (SCHE) ► Higher education is being modernized with the adoption of the three-cycle structure including, within national contexts, the possibility of intermediate qualifications linked to the first cycle and with the adoption of the European Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance. ► LLL: Within national contexts, intermediate qualifications within the first cycle can be a means of widening access to higher education. Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

SCHE and EQF for LLL ► SCHE = first level in EHEA (four levels / cycles – common names) ► SCHE = level 5 in the European Qualifications framework (eight levels – names for 1 till 4?) ► SCHE = first level(s) in HE in a National Qualifications Framework – linked to or within a Bachelor program (sometimes in a NQF > 8 levels) ► SCHE can be part of a National Sectoral Qualifications Framework ► Officially recognized - in the Accreditation System Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

SCHE in The Netherlands ► System after primary education (binary system in HE): - HAVO (5) + Professional Bachelor (4) = 9 years - VWO (6) + Academic Bachelor (3) = 9 years ► Associate degree within the Professional Bachelor (‘hogescholen / Universities of Applied Sciences’): 120 ECTS (2 years) if relevant for the labor market ► We have in VET and HE: - vmbo + mbo = 7 years - vmbo + mbo + Ad = 9 years - vmbo + mbo + Bachelor = 11 years… Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

SCHE and LLL ► Pilot status at the moment – next month decision about more possibilities… ► ‘Associate degree’ attracts all target groups… ► ‘Ad’ new impulse for flexible learning paths !! ► But: Academic Drift (Boards) is the biggest enemy… ► Example of a scenario in the near future: - Associate degree - Having a job - Work experience / training / projects etc. - Non-formal learning (minor) – accredited by a HEI - RPL for the Bachelor: part time, shortened… Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

SCHE… ► May be 80% of VET-students (level 4) will choose for the Ad… - in sectoral frameworks ► New situation for our HEIs !! ► Transparent procedures for RPL ► Attractive for employers and employees ► RPL-budget government ► Quality Code / RPL-Knowledge centre ► But: Are our HEIs flexible enough ?? Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Developments ► Introduction of the EQF for LLL  NQFs ► Combination of Copenhagen and Bologna Processes ► More common principles and guidelines (QA, RPL, using learning outcomes, ECTS et cetera) ► More networks (EU and world-wide): be a member… and be there… Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

The future… ► More internationalisation… ► More cooperation… ► Transparency across the borders ► Flexible learning paths – asked by students, young people… ► And the economic conditions will change.. ► So: HEIs has to change… a.s.a.p… Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Success factors for SCHE ► Use the EQF for LLL ► SCHE = level 5 = linked to or within the bachelor ► SCHE = highest level in ‘strong’ professional education ► Use as Colleges and HEIs joint degrees, international ► Use the combination of formal and non-formal education, national ► Use adult learning – part-time education Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

And… ► Focus on transparency, in a national and international setting ► SCHE is the first step in HE (within the first cycle = the Bachelor) ► Post-secondary education + RPL = entrance for programs in SCHE and the Bachelor ► Unique position for the SCHE: bridge between VET, secondary education and HE (‘chain management’) Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

IUC: if … then … ► IUC - national network for SCHE - make choices ► Name national vs name international - HAN: 2 years for prof. bachelor - IUC = SCHE = Associate degree - ‘another project’ ► Name: University College - Flanders: HEI / Holland: UAS - World wide: Community College Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Some recommendations ► In Bulgaria… (member of the EU and in the Bologna Process) ► Start from a clear position - use international agreements - use the EQF ► Use international standards - level - QA - RPL Golden Sands - June 16, 2009

Some recommendations ► Take your time – be patient ► Publish reports about the situation in Bulgaria and other Bologna countries (advantages – differences – challenges – ‘profit for students, managers, politicians…) ► Use a website, newsletter etc. Golden Sands - June 16, 2009