Commission wants second-class schools monitored
The European Commission, DG XXII for Education, Training and Youth, is looking for services regarding the thematic monitoring and coordination of second-class schools. The services include writing a summary report on the implementation of the projects by providing detailed monitoring of a number of priority themes for these projects. In 1995, the Commission adopted a White Paper on education and training entitled "Teaching and learning, towards the learning society", which defined five objectives, the third being "combating exclusion". The Commission monitored the experimental project concerning second-chance schools, associated with this third aim. In such schools, excluded young people, who do not have sufficient skills and qualifications to be successful in reaching higher education programmes or the labour market and who are no longer subject to compulsory schooling, are offered a second chance through education and training. The initiation of pilot projects was progressive. The choice of site for establishing the second-chance schools was made in consultation with interested governments. Currently 13 projects have been identified in 11 countries of the European Union. During the third year of implementation (1999), the Commission wishes to call on external consultants to prepare a summary report as well as thematic monitoring of projects in progress. These experts will have the role of writing a summary report on the implementation of the pilot projects by providing detailed monitoring of a number of priority themes, in particular: - Methods and procedures for identifying and recruiting disadvantaged young people from the targeted population; - Teaching innovation in schools, including the use of new technologies, local partnerships, with firms in particular, and thus links with the formal system of education and training in the country concerned. For further information, please contact: European Commission, DG XXII Education, Training and Youth Rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels Tel +32-2-2960555; Fax +32-2-2993139