Education in West Germany: A Quest for Excellence. Fastback 140.

Overview & Synopsis

The German educational system consists of schools for general education, vocational schools, technical colleges, and universities. Preschool education for children ages 3-5, one of the major areas for reform efforts, is a private enterprise supported by churches, industry, and individuals. The number of preschools needs to be increased and the training of personnel updated. The character and structure of Germany's primary school education, which includes grades 1-4, has changed from a folk-oriented curriculum to one in which subject matter is taught in separate courses. Following primary school, there are four secondary Level I schools encompassing grades 5-10 which are open to children: 1) the main school (Hauptschule) which teaches students about their cultural heritage and provides them with citizenship skills; 2) middle school (Realschule) which prepares students for jobs in areas such as agriculture, commerce, and government; 3) academic secondary schools (Gymnasium) which prepares students for university study; and 4) comprehensive schools (Gesamtschule), a laboratory for educational reform where students choose subjects according to their interests and abilities. At the upper level of the secondary school or Level II students prepare for the university or take specialized courses in vocational or technical education. The tertiary level of education includes universities and institutes of higher education. The publication also dlscusses the development of new curricula (the most important task of educational reform in Germany today), teacher education, and how the educational system treats the children of foreign workers. (Author/RM)