An Inclusive Education Policy Oriented to Profession is the Key to the Development of Albanian Economy (Historical Trends in Vocational School 2008-2018)

Abstract

Education is a key element in the social and economic life of society. The strength of quality education results in two levels: the level of personal development of the citizen and the level of development of society. On a personal level, education enables people to acquire knowledge, skills and to form critical thinking approaches and make choices about improving the quality of their lives. At the societal level, education is a strategic sector on which the overall development of Albania depends. As education is of strategic importance to the development of society, the state treats it as an essential issue and seeks to control or at least influence it. In this case, the relationship between education and the state is characterized by a certain degree of inclusiveness, in particular, the decentralization of control over inclusive and vocational-oriented education as the key to success in the development of Albanian economy. Building an effective, professionally oriented education system requires: first, it is clear who is responsible for it. There is a need for a competent team of public administration staff who remains in office even after changing governments or ministers to enable continuity in the sustainable implementation of education policies; second, a clear or strategic plan is needed (for the required number of schools each city should have, what subjects should be offered in line with market demands at national, regional and local level; what curriculumn, teaching materials and equipment technical requirements; which teachers and what training do they have in accordance with the admission criteria in the schools and the graduation criteria); third, it is important that students do not choose the vocational school system as a simple alternative to other schools for admission to the university (which may be considered a waste of money); fourth, ongoing coordination between the government and donors involved at the operational and practical levels; fifth, sustainable cooperation with private sector enterprises / companies and lastly, continuity over the years!

Received: 6 June 2021 / Accepted: 10 July 2021 / Published: 15 July 2021