Between celebrations and concerns about the New High School

Abstract

The new high school is surrounded by supporters who defend it and critics who want it to get back to the former model. It has a recent history on the Brazilian educational scene. The new perspective has been implemented by strategic projects for some years. This research is prompted by the current campaigns to repeal the secondary education reform. It provides a critical analysis of the implementation of this proposal to reformulate the curriculum in this school network. This work aims to present the positive aspects and achievements of the new high school in a basic education institution. Also, to compare the students’ achievement and the proposals offered. We take the high school based in Porto Alegre, Colégio Marista Assunção, as an example of where this proposal occurred. We must point out the concerns and celebrations involving the practices so far. This article aims to carry out a bibliographical review of the theoretical framework that supports the reform of secondary education. It is corroborated by the experiences of basic education institutions where the reform has been implemented. In conclusion, it is possible to identify advances in high school educational processes, especially those related to autonomy, opening possibilities and constructing personal life projects. Although, there are more challenges remaining associated with the structure of the Brazilian educational system than with the students' intentions. Such as the teacher training, the limited range of training itineraries on offer and adherence to emerging themes, such as computer teaching and active methodologies, are some barriers that need to be overcome. Finally, this work presents the elements of this curricular proposal that must be supported, even in the event of a government revocation or change, based on the legal sphere for maintaining the proposals endorsed.