Influência do conselho da escola no aproveitamento escolar dos alunos: caso da Escola Primária Completa Acordos de Roma, (2024)

Abstract

This study examines student academic performance based on the role played by the school council as the highest governing body of the school. It uses as a case study the Acordos de Roma Complete Primary School, which had a high failure rate in the 2024 school year. A qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis as data collection techniques. The study sample consisted of 21 participants who serve on the school council. The sampling method used to identify the sample was purposive. The study concluded that the factors behind the low academic performance are due to the incompatibility between work hours and school council meetings, and the school principal's monopoly on deciding key pedagogical management issues. On the other hand, it is concluded that although the managers adopt a democratic style, in practice it is governed by authoritarianism, since the decision of the school director prevails, supported by the current instrument that guides the functioning of the school council. Finally, it is concluded that the way in which the members of the School Council act in improving the academic performance of the students of the Acordos de Roma Complete Primary School is positive, since before the beginning of their duties, the members undergo training to absorb key knowledge of school management and, in particular, pedagogy, which includes academic achievement. In light of the conclusions, it is suggested that school council members be elected based on their competence and availability to regularly participate in council sessions; that the article granting deliberative power to the school principal, instead of the school council president, be revised; and that training and capacity building be intensified to improve their performance, particularly in school pedagogical management