DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL MANAGEMENT: A PATH TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FAIRER AND MORE PARTICIPATORY SCHOOL

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the relevance of democratic school management in the creation of fair and participatory educational environments. To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted, which included a literature review and the analysis of successful cases in several educational institutions. The main results indicate that democratic management, based on principles of equality and collaboration, effectively transforms the school culture by ensuring that all participants, teachers, students, parents and the community have an active voice in decisions. Despite significant challenges, such as resistance to change and scarcity of resources, the experiences examined demonstrate that the active participation of the school community has a positive impact on academic performance and the quality of education. It was found that the implementation of collaborative and inclusive practices is directly related to the improvement of several indicators of educational quality, showing that democratic management is decisive for this transformation. In addition, promoting democracy in schools not only enriches the teaching-learning process, but also helps to form more engaged and aware citizens, who consider themselves an integral part of society. In summary, democratic school management should be a priority in educational policies, as it can result in a more equitable education, where everyone has the chance to contribute and benefit collectively. This approach not only improves the school environment but also prepares students for more active citizen participation in the future.