Public consultation "Schools for the 21st century"

Results of the public consultation

This public consultation addresses all those interested in the development of school education in Europe. The Commission's consultation document raises a series of issues that are deemed to be crucial for schools in Europe (such as schools and key competences, schools and social inclusion and the role of teachers, among others) on which contributions are sought.

Member States are responsible for the organisation and content of education and training systems, and the role of the European Union is to support them, for example through the new Lifelong Learning Programme or the 'Education and Training 2010 Work Programme', which facilitates the exchange of information, data and best practice through mutual learning.

Education lies at the centre of efforts to improve the Union's competitiveness and social cohesion. Some of the most important questions and challenges which have the greatest significance for the well-being of individuals and the good of society relate to the quality of initial education and training.

It is against this background that the European Commission has decided to launch this public consultation to identify those aspects of school education on which joint action at European Union level could be effective in supporting Member States in the modernisation of their systems.

If you wish to make a contribution to this consultation please:

1. read our Consultation Document;
2. create a MS Word (or compatible) document;
3. write in any official language;
4. state clearly at the start of your contribution your name, the name of the organisation you represent (if any), and the reason for your interest in the school (e.g. parent, pupil, teacher …)
5. decide which of the questions in the document you wish to respond to;
6. set out your opinions in no more than 4 pages of A4 (12 pt);
7. send your completed text by e-mail only to the following address: eac-schools-consult@ec.europa.eu, no later than 15 October 2007.

We will acknowledge receipt of your contribution.

Consultation document (pdf format)