Access to Education, Participation and Progression

         This chapter looks at access, participation and progression in education, in terms of the expected duration of schooling, and of enrolment rates at different educational levels. It examines the differences in timing and participation rate in pre-school and after the end of compulsory education among OECD countries, as well as the various types of upper secondary programmes (general, pre-vocational or vocational).          Other indicators examine the advantage that a more highly-educated population represents for societies at large, and the increasing need for lifelong acquisition of knowledge and skills, not only in education settings but also through family life, from experience with communities and in business. Evidence from the International Adult Literacy Survey (1994-1998) and national household surveys on adult education and training is included.         Finally, the chapter looks at international student mobility, and at the costs and benefits to students and institutions in sending and host countries alike.       