This study aims to clarify current trends and issues in postcompulsory (16-19 age group) education, especially by focusing on the curriculum, drawing on the concrete experience of a large number of member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Information was gathered from individual case studies and observation of the systems in place in 11 of the OECD countries, a representative sample. Seven main points emerged from the study, varying in applicability from country to country; and within countries. These points concern: (1) changes in general, technical, and vocational education; (2) differentiation, progression, and equality in educational systems; (3) transition and foundation for the world of work; (4) the structure of courses--planned system and market-driven; (5) links with higher education; (6) diversity and coherence at the postcompulsory stage; and (7) the role of culture as the hidden element in the links between education and the economy. Twenty-seven notes and references and a list of the 11 country case studies are included. (KC)