•Axel Aerden

QrossroadsQrossroads

OverviewOverview

ECA

A shared publication policy

A shared information tool

Demonstration

Phase 1Phase 1

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Aim: Mutual recognition accreditation decisionsCountries involved in ECA first phase (2003-2007)

Signed mutual recognition agreementsLetters of Intent

Means:•Code of good practice (2004)•Principles for the selection of experts (2005)•Principles for accreditation procedures regarding joint programmes (2007)

Joint declaration regarding the automatic recognition of qualifications (2005) Aim: diplomas from accredited institutions and programmes should be automatically acceptedPreconditions:1.Mutual recognition of accreditation decisions2.Recognition compatibility NQFs (~Bologna Process)3.Transparent information tool

Phase 2Phase 2

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Countries involved in the second phase (2008-2011)

Observers

Aims•Mutual recognition of accreditation & QA decisions•Dissemination of experiences with accreditation and accreditation-like practices•Provision of transparent information on quality •Facilitation of internationalisation of institutions and students.

Means:•Code of good practice (2004)•Principles for the selection of experts (2005)•Principles for accreditation procedures regarding joint programmes (2007)•Principles regarding learning outcomes in accreditation procedures (2009)

A shared publication policyA shared publication policy

• ECA’s Code of good practice (2004)• Standard 9: “The accreditation organisation informs the

public in an appropriate way about accreditation decisions”• “The outcome of the accreditation must be made public• The format of publication refers to standardised European

templates• Expert reports and the reports of the accreditation

organisation must be published according to national regulations”

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A shared publication policyA shared publication policy

• European Standards and Guidelines (2005)• Standard 2.5: “Reports should be published and should be

written in a style, which is clear and readily accessible to its intended readership. Any decisions, commendations or recommendations contained in reports should be easy for a reader to find.

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A shared publication policyA shared publication policy

• ECA’s original aim (2004): • “The accreditation report supplement”

• Recalibration (2005):• “The ECA search engine”

• Vienna Sententia (2005)“Joint declaration regarding the automatic recognition of qualifications”• One of the preconditions:

A transparent information tool should be implemented. • To make qualifications from accredited programmes &

institutions visible.

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A shared information toolA shared information tool

• Aim (°2006)• To present the qualifications of accredited programmes

and/or institutions• Presentation in the perspective of• The higher education system (NQF) • The overarching Framework of Qualifications of EHEA• The accreditation organisation / - system• The recognition of qualifications (ENIC/NARIC)

• Target audience• recognition bodies (ENIC/NARICs), students, HE

institutions and employers

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A shared information toolA shared information tool

• Approach• Information gathering• What do you publish?• What do you have electronically?• Do you have a database?• Do you have a search engine?

• Relevant data• finding a common ground• availability feasability

- Qualification (in English)- Field of Study- ...

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A shared information toolA shared information tool

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QROSSROADSdatabase

HRK/ARdb

CTIdb

FHRdb

OAQdb

PKAdb

NVAOdb

AACdb

securesync

XMLXML

parser

Public website

InternetInternetInternetInternet

Presentation of Qrossroads - version 1.2.Presentation of Qrossroads - version 1.2.

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