The emergence of decentralization policies in the field of education: a historical and legislative contextualization in Portugal

Abstract

The notions of political decentralization and the empowerment of local authorities started to emerge in the 1960s and 1970s as an alternative to the well-established practices of centralization. Considered a measure of political proximity, decentralization was seen as likely to allow for a more effective and efficient response to every-day concerns and needs of citizens.
Accordingly, municipalities were granted partial intervention on the field of education. The increasing responsibilities and involvement of Municipalities on education resulted in a decentralized delegation of competences and the signing of autonomy contracts with schools.
The aim of this study is to discuss, from a historical and legislative point of view, the logic of local administration and to understand the role of the Municipality in the administration and management of Education, from the 25th of April (1974) to the present. To accomplish this, we relied mainly on the specific bibliography and legislative sources on the subject, resorting methodologically to research and document analysis.