This volume is designed to be a comprehensive description of the Polish educational system as it existed under the communist regime, and of the radical changes currently taking place, as well as of possible future trends. Chapter 1 describes Poland's history, geography, and population. Chapter 2 describes the background and structure of its education system. Chapter 3 covers preschool and elementary education, its structure and curriculum. Chapter 4 treats secondary education. Chapter 5 describes tertiary education including administration, finance, admissions, institutions, graduate studies and titles, post-graduate studies, Communist party university-level studies, adult higher education, and student and faculty exchange programs. Chapter 6 looks at specialized study in fine arts, public safety, law, medical and health professions, military education, religious education and training, and teacher training. Chapter 7 covers graduate education including degrees offered, fields of study and levels of achievement. Chapter 8 describes adult education. Chapter 9 contains suggestions and guidelines for admissions officers in United States colleges and universities. Appendixes contains information on training fields in skilled and technical occupations, institutional profiles, foreign language teacher training colleges, and sample documents. Includes a glossary, index and bibliography. (JB)