In response to the wide variety of education systems worldwide, UNESCO recognized the need for an International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). This system makes it easier for policymakers to compare strengths and weaknesses of their education structure to those of other countries. The ISCED consists of 8 education levels and was recently updated in 2011 to account for significant worldwide educational changes. The following chart was adapted from the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Database:
Created by Ali Philbrick, 2013
Pre-Primary Education: One year of pre-primary education is compulsory as was stated in the enrollment section of this site.
Grade 1 to 5: primary education is mandatory and free; it usually starts at age 6 until age 10.
Grade 6 to 9 – Basic secondary education is also mandatory and free from age 11-13.
Grade 10 to 11 – Mid secondary education refers to vocational schools of technology and arts, academic schools and also special labor schools. Students may choose their profession as early as 9th grade to begin studying at normal schools to become teachers or, as is more common in rural areas, they may join the special labor track. Traditional academic school, however, represents most of what is offered in urban areas.
Through examining the map it is evident that there aren’t many true ‘dead-ends.’ Even if a student chooses to enter special labor school after mid-secondary school, they still have the option of studying at a technical university and doing a specialization after that. There is however, no way for that student to return into the academic setting.
References
1. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. (2012). Isced: International standard classification of education. Retrieved from http://www.uis.unesco.org/Education/Pages/international-standard-classification-of-education.aspx
2. World TVET Database. (2013). Colombia. Retrieved from http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/worldtvetdatabase1.php?ct=COL&ct2=&ct3=&disp=1
3. BGCenter. (2013). Basic facts about colombian educational systems. Retrieved from http://www.bgcenter.com/BGW/ColombianEd.htm