A participação da comunidade escolar no processo de escolha de diretores: um estudo de caso no município de Canoas/RS

Abstract

This paper aims at analyzing the participation of the educational community in the process of direct election for school Principals in a municipal school in Canoas-RS, raising reflection about the importance of this participation for democratic management. The research method was a case study, based on data collection from structured questionnaires specially designed for participants. They were students, parents, teachers and employees of the school. This study used as theoretical reference principles of Democratic Management from Paro`s (2003), Lück´s (2002) and Ferreira`s (2001) perspectives in accordance to the Fundamental and Guideline Laws for National Education (LDBEN) 9394/96, the Federal Constitution of 1988 and municipal laws. Results are that the participation of the educational commuity in the process of Managers´ selection meets some limitations: a) the Public System desirel to rule the election legalization process; b) the lack of political importance found in the Principals´ position; c) the lack of parents´ participation, which in this case was partial. In this context, we find advances like the interest and desire from students to participate in the process of election and his/her actions, showing what it meant to be a process of democratic management and the natural participation and interest from the parts involved.