Democratization of education refers to a process that allows decision-making based on alternatives, guided by the conviction that equity, equality, solidarity, freedom and justice are the essential universal values of mankind. This study examines these criteria in the context of reform strategies in the areas of educational planning and practice. In the first chapter economic and socio-political demands for education are analyzed. The second chapter identifies major obstacles to promoting the democratization of education. In the third chapter a selection of measures is made in reviewing international experience in promoting the democratization of education such as an integrated approach of policy and legislation, innovations for better use of available funds, problem-oriented curricula and abandoning early selection, and positive discrimination policy. The final chapter presents three Third World views concerned with the new political and economic world order rather than with what educational reforms designed for the Third World prescribe. (Author/DB)