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The European Reference Framework of Key Competences for Lifelong Learning identified eight key competences as necessary for personal fulfilment, active citizenship, social inclusion and employment: (1) communication in the mother tongue; (2) communication in foreign languages; (3) mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology; (4) digital competence; (5) learning to learn; (6) social and civic competences; (7) sense of initiative and entrepreneurship; and (8) cultural awareness and expression. Key Competence Network on School Education (KeyCoNet 2012-2014) is a European policy network focused on identifying and analysing initiatives on the implementation of key competences in primary and secondary school education. KeyCoNet is coordinated by European Schoolnet (EUN), a network of 30 European Ministries of Education, based in Brussels. Most European Union (EU) countries, including those represented by KeyCoNet, have introduced the concept of key competences and learning outcomes into their national curricula or official steering documents for compulsory education during the last decade.

This report is a summary of two literature reviews produced in 2012 by research partners and experts working within the framework of KeyCoNet. The literature reviews are focused on the implementation of key competence development and its assessment in school education in Europe. Using evidence in the literature review, this summary answers the following questions: What are key competences? How are key competences included in national curricula? How are key competences implemented in schools? What are the main methods for teaching key competences? How can key competences be assessed? What are the main obstacles to implementing key competences?

'Key competence development in school education in Europe' outlines the key issues in relation to the definition and implementation of key competences in school education in Europe, at the classroom/school as well as systemic level. It is divided into three sections each with a specific focus: Key competences in practice / Anna Siewiorek, Marianna Vivitsou and Jennifer von Reis Saari; Key competences in policy / Jean Gordon; Key competences in France / Olivier Rey. 'Assessment for key competences', written by David Pepper, focuses on assessment issues and responses. Show less