The Council of Europe promotes a culture of democracy through education as a means of building peaceful and democratic societies. With the adoption of the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) in 2016, member states committed to fostering democratic values, attitudes, skills, knowledge and critical understanding in and through education.
This review report examines the extent to which the RFCDC has been used in the formal education systems of member states since 2016, including its influence on policies and practices. Based on the main conclusions of this first review, which took place between March and December 2023, it provides recommendations for future development and implementation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY KEY FINDINGS
I. Progression in education policy development
II. Enhancing education stakeholders’ engagement and co-operation
III. Challenges in implementing the RFCDC
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1. Aims and objectives of the review
1.2. Conceptual definitions
1.3. Research design
CHAPTER 2 – MAIN FINDINGS
2.1. The RFCDC in education policy development
2.2. The RFCDC in the education system
2.3. RFCDC implementation at school
2.4. The use of RFCDC in addressing current and emerging issues
2.5. Opportunities and challenges of the RFCDC implementation
CHAPTER 3 – POINTERS FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Recommendation I – Implementing RFCDC in education to confront challenges
Recommendation II – Evaluating the implementation and development of RFCDC in Europe
Recommendation III – Fostering opportunities to learn and practise CDC among education professionals and the education community
Recommendation IV – Enhancing participation and co-operation among education stakeholders
APPENDIX – CASE STUDIES IN RFCDC IMPLEMENTATION REFERENCES
