Reflections on High School Dropout from the standpoint of educators

a case study

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the concept and effects of  high school dropout in public education and school practice, using the literature analysis and the content of interviews conducted with twenty-six educators from four state schools in the city of Guarapuava/PR. The methodology for data collection was a case study, analyzed from the perspective of the subjects’ social representations with the background of the historical materialist method. Discussion has analysed the answers related to the interviewees' definitions of dropout, their perceptions of the effects of dropout on the school community and the actions taken to combat it. Finally, it was possible to notice that the discourses developed about dropout are diverse and reflect the ideologies that permeate the school environment, it was also possible to notice the advances needed in public policies for youth to ensure the access and permanence of all students.