Events
Porto Seminar | 40 Years of the Framework Law of the Education System
Lusófona University – Porto University Centre, 30 October, 2026
As part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Framework Law of the Education System (Law No. 46/86, of October 14), Lusófona University – Porto University Centre and CeiED – Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Education and Development are promoting the seminar “40 years of the Framework Law of the Education System: between legacy and possible futures”.
Four decades later, the Framework Law continues to be a landmark in the democratization of education in Portugal, having contributed to the expansion of schooling, equal opportunities and the qualification of the population, under the principles of equity, participation and inclusion. In a time of profound social, technological and cultural changes, it is important to revisit this legacy and reflect on the challenges of education in the 21st century.
The seminar is part of a national cycle of decentralized seminars, with sessions in Lisbon, Funchal, Évora and Porto. Porto will host the closing session, where the main conclusions of the previous meetings will be presented.
Organized into two thematic panels, the Seminar brings together researchers, policymakers, education professionals and students to discuss the relationships between education, qualifications, social justice, governance, school autonomy and curriculum development, opening space for critical reflection on the path taken and the possible futures of education in Portugal.
Programme
Panel VI — From School to Work
Knowledge, qualification and social justice
| Speaker | Talk |
|---|---|
| Joaquim Azevedo | Towards a democratic and just school: how to break the performative and exhibitionist logic? |
| José Manuel Castro | Adults in vocational training: challenges of inclusion and combating hidden inequalities. |
| Filomena Parada | The school envisioned by the Framework Law and the school that young people experience: contributions from the Portuguese study of EDU-LAB. |
Panel VII — Architectures of Education
Governance, autonomy and system regulation
| Speaker | Talk |
|---|---|
| Licínio Lima | The administration of education and the governance of schools based on the Framework Law of the Education System. |
| Rui Trindade | The Framework Law of the Education System and the curricular challenges of contemporary Portuguese schools: tensions and perspectives. |
Closing Session
The meeting culminates with the presentation and discussion of the conclusions of the decentralized seminars held in Lisbon, Funchal, Évora and Porto, by Elsa Estrela (Lusófona University / CeiED), and will also include the institutional participation of the Education Counsellor of Porto City Council (to be confirmed).
Registration
Participation is free, but prior registration is required via an online form.
Participation method: in person
Accreditation
- Morning Programme (Panel VI) → 1 Short-Term Action | 3 hours of training
- Participation in the entire meeting → 2 Short-Term Actions
Organizing Committee
- António Teodoro (Lusófona University / CeiED)
- Alcina de Oliveira Martins (Lusófona University / CeiED)
- Filomena Parada (Lusófona University / CeiED)
- Scientific and Organizing Committee for the Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Framework Law of the Education System
This seminar is part of the national programme commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Framework Law of the Education System, providing a space for scientific reflection, inter-institutional dialogue and public debate on the present and future challenges of education in Portugal.
