This booklet describes the status of Sweden's educational system, its development since 1950, and the means for bringing about its reform. The first section gives a brief overview of education in Sweden at the end of the 1970's. The second section is concerned with the last three decades of development of Sweden's educational system, including discussions of the development of the school system as one part of the development of Swedish society, comprehensive school and upper secondary school, the accessibility of schools, student choice of a specialization, and equality between the sexes and freedom of choice. In addition, the following topics are covered: the schools and society; differentiation--a difficult issue; who makes decisions on the schools?; education for adults; universities and professional colleges during the 1950's and 1960's; higher education for new categories of students; and the location and structure of higher education. The third section considers the emerging pattern in Sweden of alternating periods of education and work. The strategy and instruments of educational reform, with focus on educational policymakers and administrative agencies, are examined in the fourth section. (DCS)