Alternative proposals for constructing public education policies: new hope for solving old problems?

Abstract

This paper examines the possibility of constructing alternative public education policies, not only theoretical proposals, but also educational policies that have been constructed in opposition to the Brazilian tradition of vertical relations between the state and civil society. Even taking into account the difficulties that characterise paradigm shift in education policies, it can be seen that new approaches to such policies have been constructed in a number of brazilian cities in recent years. These experiences reflect forms of government that involve the concept of democratisation of the relations between state and society, which may represent new hope for solving old problems.