The new strategy calls for a fundamental shift in education, with more focus on 'learning outcomes' - the knowledge, skills and competences that students acquire.

Basic literacy and numeracy still need to be significantly improved, while entrepreneurial skills and sense of initiative need to be developed or strengthened. The use of information and communication technologies and open educational resources should be encouraged in all learning contexts. Teachers need to update their own skills through regular training. The strategy also calls on Member States to strengthen links between education and employers and to give young people a taste of employment through increased work-based learning.

A working document accompanying the communication is completely devoted to language competences for employability, mobility and growth. Language competences are once again recognized a key dimension of modernising European education systems and should be improved in citizens of all ages. The document also presents ground-breaking evidence on language learning based on recent surveys.

What does Rethinking Education call for:

• There needs to be a much stronger focus on developing transversal skills and basic skills at all levels, especially entrepreneurial and IT skills.
• A new benchmark on foreign language learning: by 2020, at least 50% of 15 year olds should have knowledge of a first foreign language (up from 42% today) and at least 75% should study a second foreign language (61% today).
• Investment is needed to build world-class vocational education and training systems and increase levels of work-based learning.
• Member States need to improve the recognition of qualifications and skills, including those gained outside of the formal education and training system.
• Technology must be fully exploited, in particular the internet. Schools, universities and vocational and training institutions must increase access to education via open educational resources.
• These reforms must be supported by well-trained, motivated and entrepreneurial teachers.
• Funding needs to be targeted to maximise the return on investment. Debate at both national and EU level is needed on funding for education - especially in vocational education and higher education.
• A partnership approach is critical. Both public and private funding is necessary to boost innovation and increase cross-fertilisation between academia and business.

Souce: European Commission