The Role of Information in the Decision-Making Process Concerning the Development of Education in Poland.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper, one in a series of Unesco technical information reports, discusses education in Poland and examines decision making. The Polish school system consists of primary schools, general secondary schools, vocational secondary schools, vocational schools not giving the right to enter third-level schools, higher post secondary schools, and third-level schools. Education starts at age seven and is obligatory until 16. Educational policy is determined by top level decision-making groups, particularly by Sejm (the Parliament). The Minister of Education and the Minister of Sciences, Higher Education, and Technology are in charge of the implementation of educational policy. The Ministers prepare teacher education programs and make all the decisions concerning course content and teaching methods. Various research institutes assist them. With the exception of higher education, the organizational hierarchy has three stages. The Minister of Education appoints school superintendents who are in charge of securing material conditions necessary for the functioning of schools. The school superintendents, in turn, appoint school inspectors and headmasters who coordinate and control the functioning of the schools. The organizational structure of higher education consists of two levels only. The Minister is the direct supervisor of rectors whom he appoints. (Author/RM)