It must be stressed, again and again, that the student should be able to start at the right level, and to work at her own pace in order to optimize her chances of success. Knowledge and proficiency should not be quantified. A holistic view is essential, and the learning process should as far as possible be based on PBL - problem based learning. Learner autonomy is not simply a working method, but in itself one of the goals of education. Clear interpretation of didactic and pedagogical goals.
Goals are generally rather vaguely framed in curricula and syllabi.
Some countries have a national curriculum. Such a document is usually 'politically correct', and quite blurred. It needs to be interpreted. In countries with a combination of a national curriculum and a decentralized educational system, local authorities around the country are obliged to interpret, often in writing, the national curriculum, and each school has to provide a local document where concrete goals are clearly laid out. Schools with distinct guidelines seem to have a clear advantage over other schools.