ECVET WORKSHOP 2 22/23/24 November 2010

1. ECVET WORKSHOP 2 22/23/24 November 2010

2. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework

3. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Areferenceinstrument to help Member States to promoteand monitor continuous improvementof their Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems, based on European common references. The Framework should contribute to: • quality improvement in VET; • buildingmutual trustin national VET systems; • promote aborderlessEuropean lifelong learning area

4. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework MILESTONES (1) • Barcelona European Council - March 2002 –sets as objective to make European VET systems a world qualityreference by 2010 • Copenhagen Declaration– November 2002 – calls for enhanced cooperationin VET quality assurance • Establishment of a Common Quality Assurance Frameworkfor VET (CQAF) – 2003 – common principles, guidelines and tools • Councilapprovesconclusionson Quality Assurance in VET – May 2004

5. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework MILESTONES (2) • Helsinki Communiqué – December 2006 –strengthening cooperation on quality improvement in VET • Development of the European Quality Assurance Reference Frameworkfor VET (EQARF) – 2008 – common principles, quality criteria, indicative descriptors and quality indicators • Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Councilon the establishment of a European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training - 18 June 2009

6. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework • includes the need for regular monitoring (involving internal and external evaluation mechanisms) andreporting on progress; • uses common quality criteria andindicative descriptors to underpin the monitoring and reporting arrangements; • stresses the importance of common indicators to support the evaluation, monitoring and quality assurance of VET systems and providers; imcludes a set of 10 indicators which may be used as a “tool box” by countries as they work on adapting and developing their VET systems. The indicators are not designed for benchmarking but ratherto support a culture of quality assurance in VET.

7. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework

8. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework

9. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Quality criteria andindicative descriptors – example Planning phase • indicative descriptors at System level • Goals/objectives of VET are described for themedium and long terms, and linked to European goals • The relevant stakeholders participate in setting VET goals and objectives at the different levels • indicative descriptors at providers’ level • Explicit goals/objectives and targets are set and monitored • There is an early involvement of staff in planning,including with regard to quality development

10. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Implementation phase • indicative descriptors at System level • Implementation plans are established in cooperation with social partners, VET providers and other relevant stakeholders at the different levels • Implementation plans include consideration of the resources required, the capacity of the users and the tools and guidelines needed for support • indicative descriptors at providers’ level • Resources are appropriately internally aligned/ assigned with a view to achieving the targets set in the implementation plans • Relevant and inclusive partnerships are explicitly supported to implement the actions planned

11. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Assessment and evaluation phase • indicative descriptors at System level • A methodology for evaluation has been devised, covering internal and external evaluation • Stakeholder involvement in the monitoring and evaluation process is agreed and clearly describe • indicative descriptors at providers’ level • Self-assessment/self-evaluation is periodically carried out under national and regional regulations/frameworks or at the initiative of VET providers • Evaluation and review covers processes and results/outcomes of education including the assessment of learner satisfaction as well as staff performance and satisfaction

12. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Review phase • indicative descriptors at System level • Procedures, mechanisms and instruments for undertaking reviews are defined at all levels • Processes are regularly reviewed and action plans for change devised. Systems are adjusted accordingly • indicative descriptors at providers’ level • Learners’ feedback is gathered on their individual learning experience and on the learning and teaching environment. • Together with teachers’ feedback this is used to inform further actions • Information on the outcomes of the review is widely and publicly available

13. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Indicator 1, 2Define goals and objectives Purpose And plan Methodology Feedback and procedures for Change Implementation Indicator 9, 10 Review Indicator 3, 7, 8 Coherent with goals Assessment and evaluation Indicator 4, 5, 6Collection and processing data; discuss results

14. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Set of indicators (I) Phase 1: Planning • Indicator No 1 - Relevance of quality assurance systems for VET providers: (a) share of VET providers applying internal quality assurance systems defined by law/at own initiative (b) share of accredited VET providers • Indicator No 2 - Investment in training of teachers and trainers (a) share of teachers and trainers participating in further training (b) amount of funds invested

15. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Phase 2: Implementation Indicator No 3 • Participation ratein VET programmes - Number of participants in VET programmes , according to the type of programme and the individual criteria Indicator No 7: • Unemployment rateaccording to individual criteria Indicator No 8 • Prevalence of vulnerable groups - percentage of participants in VET classified as disadvantaged groupe a) participation rate b) success rate

16. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Phase 3: Assessment and evaluation Indicator 4: • Completion ratein VET programmes - Number of persons having successfully completed/abandoned VET programmes, according to the type of programme and the individual criteria Indicator No 5: • Placement ratein VET programmes – a) destination of VET learners at a designated point in time after completion of training, according to the type of programme and the individual criteria b) share of employed learners at a designated point in time after completion of training, according to the type of programme and the individual criteria

17. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Phase 3: Assessment and evaluation Indicator No 6: • Utilisation of acquired skills at the workplace – a) information on occupation obtained by individuals after completion of training, according to type of training and individual criteria b) satisfaction rate of individuals and employers with acquired skills/competences

18. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Phase 4 : Review – procedures for changes Indicator No 9 • Mechanism to identify training needsin the labour market – • information on mechanisms set up to identify changing demands at different levels • evidence of their effectiveness Indicator No 10 • Schemes to promote better accessto VET – • information on existing schemes at different levels • evidence of their effectiveness

19. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Recommendation to MS • Use and further develop EQARF • Devise a national approach for implementing EQARF (2010) • Participate in the EQA-VET network • Designate a Quality Assurance National Reference Point • Undertake a review of the implementation process every four years

20. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework EQAVET NETWORK • EQAVET NETWORK - a community of practice bringing together Member States, Social Partners and the European Commission to promote European collaboration in developing and improving quality assurance in VET by using the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework • The main activities of the EQAVET NETWORK: • Working Groups: Guidelines for implementing the Framework Indicators • Discussion/Reflection Seminars; • Annual Forums

21. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Quality Assurance National Reference Points • bring together existing relevant bodies and involves the social partners and all stakeholders concerned at national and regional levels, in order to ensure the follow-up of initiatives • are linked to the particular structures, practices and requirements of each Member State

22. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework

23. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Situation in Member States • 19 QANRPs set up • all Member States represented in EQAVET; some already have more formalised QA policies Austria:QIBB Finland:Quality management recommendation for VET Romania: National QA Framework for VET

24. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Roadmap • By 18 June 2011– MS devise an approach aimed at improving quality assurance systems at national levelinvolving the social partners, regional and local authorities, and all other relevant stakeholders in accordance with national legislation and practice • By 18 June 2013: MS first report on the implementation progress- to be incorporated into every second national progress report drawn up within the context of the future strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training • every four years: EC ensure follow-up to the implementation of this recommendationby presenting a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the experience gained and implications for the future, including, if necessary, a review of this recommendation

25. The European QualityAssurance Reference Framework Quality is never an accident! Thank you