Secondary School Graduation: University Entrance Qualification in Socialist Countries

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.