Comprehensive Schools in Germany: concepts, developments and issues

Within this comparison of comprehensive schools in the western part of the Federal Republic of Germany and general polytechnic secondary schools (POS) of the former GDR, the author first summarizes the historical background of these schools. After pointing out structural as well as curriculum issues he finally analyzes why there is a “relative backwardness” of West Germany in the area of comprehensive schools and what the chances for comprehensive schools in a United Germany are. (DIPF/ ssch