Secondary education in Romania is characterized by innovations introduced by the communist system and by recent efforts to restructure the system. This book presents a systematic and coherent exposition of the Romanian educational system, and outlines the essential problems the system faces. The book opens with the historical, social, and political context of Romanian secondary education, looking at structural characteristics and current efforts to decentralize the administration and management of education. Some of the specific problems in the system include educating ethnic minorities in their native tongues, the need for increased cooperation between schools and society, the lack of efficiency in education, and the challenges associated with financing and budgets. Educational reform must contend with economic problems and rising unemployment, a dramatic drop in the birth rate, a lack of resources, the increased use of illicit drugs, and a decided lack of enthusiasm for education. Three appendices offer data on educational finance, demographics, types of schools, and the state of science education. (RJM)