Secondary Education in Albania. Guide to Secondary Education in Europe Series.

Overview & Synopsis

This publication describes general conditions and problems affecting secondary education in Albania. Section 1 highlights the political, socioeconomic, and educational context of the country. Since World War II, Albania has experienced an increase in the number of students that was not matched by qualitative improvement necessary in a democractic society and cultivation of xenophobia, resulting in considerable impoverishment of the cultural, aesthetic, and social education of the new generation. Section 2 discusses educational issues such as the restructuring of vocational education, technical schools, special education, general secondary education, teachers, the school as an entity and as a community, and problems and perspectives. Problems include the declining numbers of students in secondary technical and vocational education, enrollment disparities between rural and urban areas, vandalism, an increased dropout rate, and scarce textbooks. Planned reform guidelines address: (1) the development of a new legislative framework; (2) the complete revision of textbooks for all levels; (3) the restructuring of educational administration at all levels; and (4) the procurement of necessary financial resources. Seven tables are included in the appendix. (LMI)