A piece of legislation for the guidance of public education policies in Brazil: the National Education Plan 2014–2024

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article is to discuss the expectations and expected outcomes of a piece of legislation intended to promote quality development and democratic governance in the Brazilian educational system. The focus is concentrated on Brazilian National Education Plan (PNE 2014), established by Federal Law no. 13,005/2014. From a legal instrumental perspective, the political and juridical elements that have shaped the new Plan are put side by side, to analyse the conditions of its enforcement through the guidance of public education policies, for the ten years in which it shall be in force. In a brief introduction, we give a general word about the situation of basic public education in Brazil. Then the historical evolution of education planning in the country is described, with remarks on the normative and political characteristics of the context in which the Plan was produced. These characteristics form the legal and institutional framework in which are designed the main public policies to promote education quality at national level. To describe the dynamic aspect of this framework, the legislative process of the PNE 2014 is presented, pointing to some critical elements foreseen in the implementation of the statute. Finally, the structure and the content of the provisions of the PNE 2014 are analysed, putting into perspective the legislative aspects connected to the main challenges to be faced: the need for coordination and for a stable provision of financial resources.