DEMOCRATIC AND PARTICIPATORY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT: PATHWAYS TO STRENGTHENING THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the role of democratic and participatory school management as a strategy to strengthen the educational community in Elementary Education. The research was developed through a qualitative approach, based on bibliographic review and document analysis, focusing on authors who discuss school democratization and the value of collective participation in pedagogical and administrative decisions. The findings show that adopting shared management practices contributes significantly to the creation of a more welcoming, transparent, and committed school environment for students’ holistic development. Moreover, challenges faced by public schools in implementing these principles are highlighted, such as the lack of adequate training for school managers and persistent structural and cultural limitations. It is concluded that strengthening the relationship between school, families, and the community requires not only political will but also investment in training, active listening, and valuing the different forms of knowledge present in school daily life. When carried out with commitment and sensitivity, democratic management becomes a powerful path toward transforming school practices and promoting a fairer and more meaningful education.