Secondary School Graduation: University Entrance Qualification in Socialist Countries: A Comparative Study compares the qualifications of secondary school students for university entrance in five socialist states (Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, Poland, Romania, and USSR). The importance of terminal awards to social and educational policy is emphasized.

This book consists of five chapters and begins with an overview of the research project and its aims as well as the methodology used, followed by a discussion on the expansion of secondary education as a trend in industrial societies. The problem situation of secondary stage II education in relation to the terminal awards with higher education entrance qualification is highlighted. The following chapters explore similarities and differences in the socialist system of education; the structural characteristics of secondary level II; educational policy in the socialist countries; and the countries' desire to incorporate secondary stage II into compulsory schooling.

This monograph will be of interest to educators and policymakers as well as students entering university.

• Front Cover 2
• Secondary School Graduation: University Entrance Qualification in Socialist Countries 5
• Copyright Page 6
• Table of Contents 7
• Translator's Notes 9
• Chapter 1. Introduction 11
  • 1.1. Setting the Aims of the Research Project 11
  • 1.2. Definition of the Emphasis in the Contents 16
  • 1.3. On the Method of the Investigation 18
• Chapter 2. The Context of the Contents 23
  • 2.1. The Expansion of Secondary Education as a Trend in Industrial Societies 23
  • 2.2. The Terminal Awards with Qualification for Higher Education Entrance —in the Light of the Change in Function of Secondary E 34
• Chapter 3. Common Features and Differences in the Socialist System of Education 39
• Chapter 4. Conclusions from the Investigation 49
  • 4.1. Structural Characteristics of Secondary Level II 49