Educação inclusiva : um estudo de caso em uma escola de educação infantil de Porto Alegre

Abstract

This study focuses on inclusive education at a private school in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The qualitative research consists of a Case Study and made use of the approach described by André (2008). The Case Study was built making use of the perceptions of the school principals, support staff and teachers, as well as class visits and the documentary research. Data was collected in the shape of six semi-structured interviews and eight class observations at an early stage. At a later stage, data was assembled from 38 class observations and also from notes taken in the course of 17 outside-the-classroom events held by the school community. The school that was the subject of this study states in its Political Pedagogic Plan [a document each Brazilian school must have explaining their educational goals and principles] that the school principles are theoretically based on three pillars: inclusion, psychoanalysis and project-based pedagogy. It became evident that in practice the three pillars work in harmony and help develop a friendly and inclusive environment. The intent to promote inclusive attitudes can be verified throughout the pedagogical processes. In this context, inclusion is understood as a process aiming to embrace diversity and harmonize the differences in the collective space. Thus, the practice of inclusion occurs regardless of diagnosis and disability, and is related to the moment experienced by each child. The analysis reveals that inclusion in the school is founded primarily on principles such as respect, mindful listening, dialogue, learning that is challenging and interesting, and encouraging autonomy and welcoming, thus creating a space of plurality. This research aims to contribute to the field of education, particularly inclusive education, deepening the knowledge related to inclusive processes in the context of the studied school and the role of the teacher and peer relationships in this environment. Finally, from the reflection on the theory and on empirical data, we seek to systematize a set of proposals with a view to enriching the debate on the place of Inclusive Education in Brazil today and pointing out clues that might help the implementation of inclusion processes.