Each year 2.5 million Danes participate in government funded educational activities. The government's aim is to ensure high educational standards. Government policy gives a high priority to courses promoting technological expansion and competitiveness in export markets. Vocational education tends toward trades with favorable job prospects. Decentralization and increased local autonomy in education leave decision making in the hands of educational institutions and local communities. Policy making seeks to promote higher quality education and training. Compulsory education continues for 9 years. Special education aids learning for slow learners. Through the class teacher system, the same instructor stays with students throughout their schooling and is an intermediary in school-home cooperation. There is a 200-day school year and a low teacher-student ratio. Upon completing general education at the "Folkeskole," about one third of the students opt for 3 years of further learning in the "Gymnasia." Fifteen percent then pursue higher education. There is also a wide variety of adult education offerings. Approximately 1 million Danes participate in voluntary leisure time education. With the growing need for in-service training, many adult workers participate in vocational training courses. There is also a special program of training for the longterm unemployed, educational and vocational guidance throughout the entire system, and broad state support for learning through grants and loans. (LBG)