Abstract

The article addresses the question concerning which is the agenda for current educational policies, after fifteen years of increased public and private investment in education, as well as a sustained reform effort. It is argued that for the first time since 1980, there is a policy agenda focused upon a redefinition of the school system institutionality. To the ‘institutional agenda’ needs to be added a ‘competencies enhancing’ agenda, aimed at initial and in service teachers’ training. The work analyzes conditions to elaborate and decide on education policies in this current phase. It is further argued that consensus –to be constructed– in the political arena is essential to effectively approach issues in both agendas of the Bicentenary