Portugal is actively developing a national plan to support reforms to strengthen the quality system in adult education and training. In November 2020, we presented the Slovenian model of quality assessment and development in ALE to the representatives of their interested institutions. It was recognised as an example of good practice. We were invited to a panel discussion at an international conference entitled Strengthening Quality Assurance in Adult Education and Training in Portugal.
In addition to stakeholders from Portuguese ministries, public institutions and domestic and international experts, representatives of the OECD and the EC Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion participated. They made recommendations for establishing a more coherent system of accreditation of ALE providers and monitoring and self-evaluation at the level of providers.
In preparing the report, the SIAE experts were invited to present their approach to quality assessment and development to the Portuguese colleagues. What followed was a fruitful discussion among colleagues working in this field in both countries, the inclusion of the Slovenian case in the report and an invitation to participate in a panel discussion on the main results of the project with national and international experts.
Participating in discussions at such a high level is, above all, an acknowledgement that we are doing a good job. At the same time, it serves as an incentive to commit to further development of quality development in ALE, help similar institutions in the international environment with our experiences and contribute to the development of their ALE quality systems.
Dr Tanja Možina (tanja.mozina@acs.si), SIAE
