4.1 Universal primary and secondary educationThe Council of Europe contributes to SDG 4.1 mainly through its work on competences for democratic culture and language education.

Through its activities, standards and tools developed in this field, the Council of Europe encourages its member States to provide equitable, quality education whereby all learners acquire the competencies, values, culture and knowledge essential for ensuring social integration and intercultural openness. Activities ranging from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, to projects such as the Quality Education in Romani for Europe, the development of a Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture and the support provided by the Education Policy Advisors Network to effective implementation of Council of Europe education standards are just some of its stepping stones for achieving equitable, quality primary and secondary education that leads to relevant and effective learning outcomes in line with the values and culture of human rights and democratic citizenship.

Back Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Learning, teaching, assessment – Companion volume

ISBN: 978-92-871-8621-8

Corporate Author: Council of Europe; Language Policy ProgrammeEducation Policy DivisionEducation Department

Authors: North, Brian Piccardo, Enrica Keller, Jörg Contributor: Cavalli, Marisa Egli Cuenat, Mirjam Casanovas, Neus Figueras Goullier, Francis Little, David et al Preface writer: Samardžić-Marković, Snežana

Publication Date : 2020

Languages: English

Also available in: Arabic Basque Danish English French Italian Slovenian Spanish Turkish

Categories: Guidelines and tools Educators Policymakers
Abstract:

The CEFR Companion volume broadens the scope of language education. It reflects academic and societal developments since the publication of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and updates the 2001 version. It owes much to the contributions of members of the language teaching profession across Europe and beyond. This volume contains: ► an explanation of the key aspects of the CEFR for teaching and learning; ► a complete set of updated CEFR descriptors that replaces the 2001 set with: - modality-inclusive and gender-neutral descriptors; - added detail on listening and reading; - a new Pre–A1 level, plus enriched description at A1 and C levels; - a replacement scale for phonological competence; - new scales for mediation, online interaction and plurilingual/ pluricultural competence; - new scales for sign language competence; ► a short report on the four-year development, validation and consultation processes. The CEFR Companion volume represents another step in a process of engagement with language education that has been pursued by the Council of Europe since 1971 and which seeks to: ► promote and support the learning and teaching of modern languages; ► enhance intercultural dialogue, and thus mutual understanding, social cohesion and democracy; ► protect linguistic and cultural diversity in Europe; and ► promote the right to quality education for all.

Language of schooling

Languages of schooling are taught as subjects in their own right (literacy, reading, writing, literature, thinking about language, etc.) but also used for the teaching of other subjects (maths, biology, history, geography etc.).

Read More