A participação da família como prática de uma gestão democrática

Abstract

This dissertation was developed within the scope of the Professional Master's Program in Management and Evaluation of Education at the Center for Public Policies and Education Evaluation of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). The management case analyzed the participation of families in students' school lives and decision-making at Escola Municipal Doutor Heitor Peixoto Toledo as a practice of democratic management. In this regard, the central question was: how can school management promote the effective participation of families in students' school lives and in decision-making at Escola Municipal Doutor Heitor Peixoto Toledo as a practice of democratic management? The general objective of this study was to identify and analyze the challenges that hinder the effective participation of families in school life and propose strategies to overcome them, strengthening democratic management. The specific objectives were: to describe how community participation occurs at Escola Municipal Doutor Heitor Peixoto Toledo; to analyze the barriers to effective family participation in the studied school; and to propose, through an Intervention Plan, actions aimed at promoting the effective engagement of families in students' school lives and in school decision-making. The theoretical framework was based on Castro and Regattieri (2010), Picanço (2012), Crepaldi (2017), Lück (2000; 2009), Paro (2005), and Perez (2019). The methodology adopted a qualitative approach, employing bibliographic research, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with different school community members, including the management team, teachers, and families. The analysis sought to assess each stakeholder’s perception of the school institution to understand how school management has—or has not—structured the relationship between school and family. The results reveal the need for the school to improve its processes by promoting initiatives that encourage parental participation, ensuring that they perceive themselves as active members in their children's school lives and in school decision-making. The Educational Action Plan proposed in this dissertation presents actions aimed at strengthening family-school relationships, focusing on increasing participation in students’ school lives and in school decisionmaking as a practice of democratic management.