Gestão escolar e protagonismo juvenil: desafios e estratégias na implementação do novo ensino médio na Escola Estadual da Cabeceira de São Pedro-Teófilo Otoni/MG

Abstract

This thesis is part of the Professional Master's Degree Program at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) and addresses youth leadership within the implementation of the New High School (NEM) at Escola Estadual da Cabeceira de São Pedro (State School), in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais. The study seeks to understand how school management can encourage student participation in the NEM implementation process. The research analyzes the intersection between youth leadership and educational reform, aiming to identify gaps in the NEM application. The study stems from the research question: How can school management contribute to have students more actively engaged towards the implementation of the NEM at Escola Estadual da Cabeceira de São Pedro? The analysis is based on teacher-student council’s records, portfolios from the Life Project course, and variations in student achievement rates. The specific objectives include describing the main obstacles and hurdles faced by school management towards implementing the NEM considering student participation in this process; analyzing the elements that are hindering the youth leadership participation and the development of NEM students; and proposing management strategies and alternatives that help students to increase their participation and involvement to foster youth leadership. The methodology includes documentary analysis, bibliographic review, and qualitative field research, with semi-structured interviews carried out with students from the teacher-student council, class leaders, and the NEM coordinator. The results mainly evince blended perceptions from students, who report difficulties regarding the increase in the academic load and the number of school subjects, therefore diverging from the appreciation of greater autonomy and participation in school decisions. The thesis comes to an end by developing an Educational Action Plan (PAE) with actions aimed at improving communication between school managers and students; suggesting the adoption, by teachers, of active methodologies that align pedagogical practices with the needs of students; and suggesting the creation and strengthening of formal spaces, already existing, for youth leadership within the school. This research contributed to the understanding of the dynamics involved in the implementation of the NEM, specifically those regarding youth leadership, providing a broader perception of how the NEM is being experienced by students. In addition, it enabled valuable insights on how to adapt management practices, aiming to a better alignment of the NEM with the students’ needs and expectations.