INTEGRATION OF EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION: CURRENT TRENDS

Abstract

The article deals with the current problems of European integration in the field of school education. The key documents defining the main directions of integration of European national school education systems into the common European educational space are identified.  The common goals and educational priorities for European cooperation in the field of education and training at this stage are clarified. The author highlights the principle of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), which is used to harmonize EU policies in various fields. The key current trends are noted, in particular, harmonization of school structures and curricula (convergence of the structure and duration of schooling, harmonization of curricula and content of educational programs); quality assurance of school education (development of common standards and criteria for quality assessment, creation of mechanisms for accreditation and inspection of schools); introduction of innovative teaching and assessment methods (dissemination of best practices and exchange of pedagogical experience); digital transformation of school education (development of digital skills of students and teachers, use of innovative digital technologies in the educational process); standardization of requirements for teachers and their professional development (unification of requirements for teacher training and certification, development of joint professional development programs); promotion of academic mobility of students and teachers (development of student exchange programs between schools; support for teachers' career mobility prospects); ensuring social inclusion and equal access (implementing measures to integrate students with special needs, creating mechanisms to support students from socially vulnerable groups); strengthening the management and organizational autonomy of schools (giving schools more autonomy in decision-making; expanding opportunities for local initiatives and innovations, involving parents, communities and stakeholders in school management), etc. These trends reflect common aspirations to create an integrated, flexible and innovative European Education Area. It is concluded that the EU member states have historically formed national approaches to the organization of school education, which differ in structure, curriculum, teaching methods, etc. Harmonization of educational standards and practices, finding a balance between unification and preservation of cultural identity is a complex task in the context of such diversity and requires coordinated efforts at the level of the EU, national governments and local communities.