In 2001 OECD Education Ministers endorsed the theme of investing in competencies for all to guide the education work of the Organisation over the next five years .This theme reflects the goal of ensuring that all citizens have the basic competencies on which other learning depends,and the high-level intellectual and social competencies necessary for full engagement in the knowledge society.It builds on the commitments Ministers made to lifelong learning for all in 1996...

High-quality early childhood programmes give young children a strong start in lifelong learning.  When made accessible to all, they also help strengthen social equity.  This chapter draws on country experience and recent research to identify eight key strategies for improving access to quality early childhood education and care...

The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) produced the results of its first international survey of 15-year-olds in 2001.  As well as describing considerable differences in student performance across and within countries, the results start to give valuable insights relevant for the formulation of educational policy...

There are serious concerns in many OECD countries about maintaining an adequate supply of good quality teachers.  Teacher shortages may result not just in unfilled posts but in under-qualified staff or excessive teacher workloads.  A teacher shortage raises quality as well as quantity concerns....

International trade in educational services is growing in importance, particularly in post-secondary education.  It can take several forms, including students travelling to study in foreign countries, educational institutions operating abroad, and educational services being supplied across borders through e-learning.  This chapter reviews developments and discusses their policy implications.

Investment in human capital is now seen as central to the development of advanced economies and democratic societies.  This chapter suggests that there is more to human capital than the more readily measurable -- and very important -- literacy, numeracy and workplace skills.