Educational policy in West Germany determines the goals and functions of the nation's educational system and focuses the system to meet society's demands. The educational system includes the public schools, vocational training, continuing education, and the universities and aims to prepare people for responsible citizenship. West Germany's reform and modernization have been important and education is vital to these processes. From 1950 to mid-1960 was a period of non-reform and this was reflected in the country's education policy. The late-1960s to the mid-1970s began a reform era in which there were changes in curricula, the public schools, and higher education. The reform movement then subsided due to financial and social problems. The Minister of Education and Science holds major responsibility for the funding and values in West Germany's educational institutions. For some time West German economic growth and modernization have been dependent on skilled manpower with a knowledge of new technologies. Education is viewed as an investment toward this end and present education policies link education to industry and prosperity and promote vocational training and scientific and technological education. Meanwhile, the structures that cause and increase social inequality persist. Currently major societal changes are taking place and it is important that all members of society have influence on social development, but current policy makers seem not to be open to dialogue. Education continues to reflect society's segmentation. (AS)