CO-OPERATIVE SCHOOL

nets and knots in the relationships

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present reflections on how the conceptions about education, school and teaching profession cross each other by the supporting parents’ and teachers’ perspectives in the implementation of a co-operative school. The research methodology consisted in a case study and the object of analysis was one co-operative school from the countryside of the state of São Paulo / Brazil. The methodology procedures were the documental analysis, informal conversations and semi-structure interviews. The results made clear the existence of a wide power net and interest confrontation, on one side, from the subtle mechanisms of discipline established by the supporting parents, and on the other side, from the creative educational practices proposed by the teachers who tried to build the school as a place of democratic practice.