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

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

3. 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

4. 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 year olds
Early school leaving : no more than 10%

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

6. 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

7. 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
EUROPASS
Communications on Investment and Efficiency and Equity of Education and Training systems
Proposal for EQF Recommendation
Communication on Adult learning
EIT proposal

9. 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
– COM, MSs, experts developed EQF

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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