New Eurydice study calls for stronger focus on IT and entrepreneurial skills in schools

All European countries have made significant progress in embedding key skills into school curricula to meet today's societal demands, according to a new Eurydice report published today. The study shows that not all competences are treated equally at school. While the status of basic skills (literacy, mathematics, science and foreign languages) is well established, the promotion of transversal skills, such as digital, civic and entrepreneurship skills, which are equally important for preparing young people for today's job market, is lagging behind.

More precisely, the report reviews national policies for the development of key competences at school in Europe. It acknowledges the progress made so far in implementing the key competences approach and discusses several policy challenges that are directly linked to the contribution of education and training to meeting changing skills demands: tackling low achievement in reading, mathematics and science; increasing the number of MST graduates, and further support for the acquisition of transversal competences such as ICT skills, entrepreneurship and civics.

The report covers 31 European countries (EU Member States, Croatia, Iceland, Norway, and Turkey) and takes the reference year 2011/12. Information covers compulsory and secondary general education.

Background Information:

The report was drawn up in support of the European Commission's new 'Rethinking Education' strategy, due for adoption in Strasbourg tomorrow (20 November). This outlines the measures which Member States need to take to ensure education and training systems deliver the skills required in the modern workplace.

Eight key competences for lifelong learning in knowledge, skills and attitudes were defined at EU level in 2006. The Eurydice report covers all key competences with the exception of 'learning to learn', 'cultural awareness and expression'.

The study is available on the Eurydice website in English together with the Highlights. The German and French translations of the study will follow.

Read the full report here: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/145EN.pdf