The Lebanese government education system is based on the French, but private education historically has a high profile at both the school and tertiary levels where an American influence is profound. The mid-secondary "Brevet" examination continues to function as a filtering and channelling mechanism (in the latter instance, into the parallel technical-vocational education sector). Despite its intended functions with respect to aligning upper secondary with tertiary education, the status of the Lebanese "Baccalaureat" has been eroded both by internal factors (including widespread examination malpractice) and by external influences (particularly foreign tests, including the SAT). (Contains 6 notes.)