Qualification Framework in Albania ILIA PALUKA Director of National Agency of Vocational Education and Training of Albania January 29-30, 2009, Brussel,, Belgium
Why a National Qualifications Frameworks purpose Albania education & training system needs to undertake real steps towards development, progress and achievements, in the frame of widespread reform in all economic and social aspects. National Qualifications Framework is one of the instruments towards attainment of these objectives, for the development and classification of qualifications according to a set of criteria for levels of learning achieved. It ensure that standards & certificates are uniformly used across the country and guarantee equality and credibility of employers and learners.
National Qualifications Frameworks scope National Qualifications Frameworks may be comprehensive in scope be confined to a particular sector e.g. VET include a number of smaller frameworks Qualification is a package of standards or units judged to be worthy of certification. It may be based on occupational standards but also includes assessment procedures Qualifications are not the same as curricula. include a number of smaller frameworks
AQF -Background Chronology: By the end of 2006, two Ministers (Education& Labor) installed a Task Force, mandated to coordinate, organize and monitoring the work on development of AQF Since only comprehensive representatives would legitimate its activity, in TF membership have been included specialist from the state (ministries & institutions), employers, trade unions, organizations, universities etc. During 2007 TF worked on preparing of drafts of: a) respective AQF A low; b) explanation report; c) Decision of CM; d) Administrative structure and e) Financial coasts. During 2008, mostly, we have focused on a public campaign, promoting AQF to stakeholders and beneficiaries. Now we are in the process of formalization and harmonization with existing legal framework, following necessary procedures.
Main Elements of AQF AQF consists of three main elements: The core would be a set of common reference points referring to learning outcomes, located in a structure of 8 levels. These reference levels would be supported by a range of tools and a instruments addressing the needs of individual citizens (an integrated European credit transfer and accumulation system for lifelong learning, the Europass instrument, database on learning opportunities). A NQF would also include a set of common principles and procedures res providing guidelines for co-operation operation between stakeholders at different levels in particular focusing on quality assurance, validation, guidance and key competences.
Common Reference Levels Based on outcomes stated as hierarchies of: Theoretical and/or factual knowledge Cognitive and practical skills Competence expressed in relation to autonomy and responsibility
National Qualifications Frameworks typical features single system of levels for all qualifications levels defined by the outcomes of learning qualifications based on standards or outcomes modular/unitised qualifications assessment based on explicit criteria a common credit system
Functions of the AQF Translation device for comparing qualifications Neutral reference point based on learning outcomes Facilitates credit transfer and quality assurance Basis for sector qualification developments
Albanian Qualifications Framework purposes AQF INTENT TO: improve understanding of learning routes and qualifications and how they relate to each other improve access to education and training opportunities make progression routes easier and clearer so as to improve learner mobility ensure that qualifications are relevant to social and economic needs ensure that education and training standards are defined and applied consistently ensure that education and training providers meet certain quality standards improve credit transfer between qualifications and increase the scope for recognition of prior learning secure the conditions for international recognition for national qualifications
Structure of AQF AQF Level Albanian Qualification 1 Minimum qualification to enter to work or civic life 2 Certificate of Professional Attainment (Voc Ed First Level) 3 Certificate of Professional Attainment (Voc Ed Second Level) 4 Certificate of Professional Attainment (Technical-Managerial),Maturity Diploma 5 University Certificates and Diplomas (Post secondary / Non university) 6 Bachelors degrees 7 Masters degrees 8 PhD
Task Force findings On the basis of its examination of EQF levels and current Albanian qualifications (and some consideration of possible future qualification development needs), the Task Force concludes that further technical work is required to align current Albanian qualifications with EQF levels. The Task Force also recommends that consideration be given to direct adoption by Albania of the EQF level descriptors. While there is no requirement to do so, the Task Force believes there is no point in reinventing the wheel if the EQF descriptors prove to be workable in the context of Albania.
Strategic Structure of AQF Council of Ministers National Council of AQF European Commission/ EQF Development Ministry of Education And Science Unit of AQF WG Institutions- Inclusion of Qualifications in AQF Institutions Main functions of AQF Institutions - Programmes & Evaluations / Assessments of Qualifications Line Ministries & Social Partners Agencies/Institutions which Are engaged/ work on AQF Areas
Operational Structure of AQF Unit of AQF and Working Groups National Council of AQF Ministries; Agencies& Social Partners Implementation Institutions of AQF General Qualification Levels 1-4 of AQF HEAA+NCoHE Higher Ed. Qualifications Levels 5 8 of AQF +MoLSAEC NVETA Vocational Qualifications Levels 2 5 of AQF
Operational Structure of AQF Sectors / Functions General Education Higher Education VET Curriculas Design IoCT HEI NCoHE NVETA & NES Validation of Qualifications NVETA Accreditation of Institutions &HEAA & NVETA Quality assurance and Evaluation & Assessment NA of A&E NVETA Validation / Issue of Certifications I of HE NVETA