Caminhos para a permanência : ações de apoio à busca ativa no enfrentamento do abandono e da evasão escolar no ensino fundamental

Abstract

This research seeks to contribute to foster strategies for remaining in elementary school through "actions to support active school outreach programs". Thus, the following question was posed: What actions can be developed to minimize the impact of school dropout and truancy at Arnaldo Bonifácio School, located in the municipality of Santa Rita, Paraíba, Brazil? In response to this issue, the study aimed to analyze and propose solutions to minimize, prevent and reverse school dropout and truancy in the Arnaldo Bonifácio School, using strategies based upon support networks and appropriate technologies. The specific objectives were: to analyse the evolution of truancy and dropout at the Escola Arnaldo Bonifácio over the last seven years (2017-2023); to investigate the main reasons that lead students to drop out or leave the school; to identify and analyze initiatives and strategies previously implemented by other institutions to combat truancy and dropout; to develop a new specific intervention proposal for Escola Arnaldo Bonifácio, based upon the conducted investigations; and to test and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention proposal by means of action research. To achieve these objectives, action research utilized questionnaires applied to students who abandoned or were truant, as well as to teachers and legal guardians, to identify the reasons for abandonment and truancy. The main results of the research detected the need for actions to combat dropout and truancy in the Escola Arnaldo Bonifácio, considering the high rates reported in the school. Based on reports from parents, students, and teachers, it was also established that the main reasons leading to school dropout and truancy were: work, lack of interest, children, and marriage. From the data obtained, an action proposal was elaborated to support the active search, which is being delivered as a product to the school and may be used by the entire network, should they find it beneficial. An action proposal was elaborated to support the active school outreach program using a practical technological resource that can be quickly implemented. The EduTracker system intends to integrate parents, legal guardians, teachers, and students, establishing a more direct network of connections and dialogue, allowing for a more immediate and comprehensive search for potentially truant students, and offering means to reverse this situation.