EQAVET 1 st Annual Forum Madrid 29 30

EQAVET 1 st Annual Forum Madrid 29 -30 April 2010 ecdc. europa. eu

How can and should quality assurance support the implementation of the EQF? Anita Kremo DG Education and Culture ecdc. europa. eu

The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning To increase the transparency and comparability of qualifications throughout Europe in order to: – promote mobility for learning and work – make lifelong learning a reality for all citizens

The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning • 8 EQF levels described in LEARNING OUTCOMES • 32 countries (ET 2020) are committed to developing national qualifications frameworks based on learning outcomes and linking them to the EQF

An EU meta-framework in action Implementing the EQF Member States to relate NQS/F to the EQF 2010 - to ensure that qualifications issued by competent authorities are related, via the NQS, to the EQF 2012 - to designate national coordination points to coordinate this referencing process ensuring a transparent methodology informing and involving stakeholders Countries may have several competent bodies internally but should speak with one voice to other countries

An EU meta-framework in action Referencing to the EQF Three EQF referencing reports have been finalised

An EU meta-framework in action Referencing to the EQF 9 Countries referencing by 2009 or 2010 - fully on schedule 17 Countries referencing by 2011 9 3 Countries referencing after 2011 2 Countries not yet able to estimate 26

An EU meta-framework in action Ensuring transparency EQF Advisory Group – developing systematic dialogue on qualifications among a broad range of key actors -Representatives of participating countries (EU, EEA, candidates) - Representatives of European social partners and other stakeholders - Representative of the European Higher Education Area (Council of Europe)

Promoting mutual trust EQF for LLL – voluntary exercise depending mutual trust between stakeholders Transparency and quality assurance are essential

Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance • Guaranteeing the overall quality and value of single qualifications • Proving that the linking of individual qualifications to a particular national qualifications level is appropriate L E A R N I N G O U T C • Proving that referencing of national qualifications O levels to EQF levels is credible M E S

Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance • Common principles for quality assurance in VET and HE – Annex III of EQF Recommendation • Criteria and procedures for EQF referencing – explicit on QA

Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance Issues: NQFs and the learning outcomes approach relatively new phenomena; thus, implementation is at different stages at national level Consequently, national QA systems reflect this shift to learning outcomes and NQFs to varying degrees

Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance Cooperation - on how quality assurance can support the shift to learning outcomes - between educational sectors - and countries How can European cooperation in EQAVET support national QA systems to promote trust towards NQFs, and ultimately the EQF?

Thank you for your attention anita. kremo@ec. europa. eu ecdc. europa. eu