Introduction

This summary report is based on results from OECD work produced since 2002 when the Directorate for Education was created, and especially in the past three to four years. The background to its preparation is explained in the Foreword by Director Barbara Ischinger. The approach chosen focuses on results and policy orientations which are published and hence in the public domain. Only generalised findings about developments, policy or practice relevant across most OECD countries have been included. So, not covered are: studies or reviews of single countries publications which provide exchange of information on promising practice without broader analytical conclusions work plans and programme intentions and clarifying statements of problems, challenges or issues.