ROOTS OF SCHOOL SILENCE IN RURAL AREAS: CONTEXT AND IMPACTS OF CLOSING MULTIGRADE SCHOOLS IN CAMPO BELO DO SUL (SC)

Abstract

This research stems from a master's thesis defended within the Graduate Program in Education at the Universidade do Planalto Catarinense. The study examined the processes behind the closure of multi-grade schools in the municipality of Campo Belo do Sul, Santa Catarina, while highlighting the settlement patterns of the area. Methodologically, the research is a qualitative case study grounded in historical materialism. It is justified by the importance of reflecting on public educational policies – specifically the roots of the processes involving the establishment, persistence, and closure of these schools, as well as the impact such closures have on local communities. We analyzed the causes behind the recent closure of rural multi-grade schools and the relocation of rural students through school transportation and school consolidation (nucleation) initiatives. The study addresses the need to gain a deeper understanding of this educational phenomenon and its relationship with the historical-cultural, socio-political, and economic contexts. Ultimately, this research aims to inform the formulation of policies and strategies that foster the sustainable development of rural communities and guarantee the constitutional right to quality education that is grounded in the realities of rural life.