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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

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Welcome of Participants

9:45 AM | Opening Session
Professor Alcina de Oliveira Martins
Universidade Lusófona – Porto University Centre; CeiED (Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Education and Development)

PANEL VI – From School to Work: Knowledge, Qualification, and Social Justice

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Keynote Address
Placing Adults in Vocational Training: Inclusion Challenges and the Fight Against Hidden Inequalities
José Manuel Castro

Moderation and Discussion: André Freitas

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Coffee Break

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Keynote Address
Towards a Democratic and Just School: How to Break the Performative and Exhibitionist Logic?
Joaquim Azevedo

Moderation and Discussion: André Freitas

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Presentation
The School Envisioned by the Framework Law vs. the School Experienced by Young People: Contributions from the Portuguese EDU-LAB Study
Filomena Parada

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Lunch Break

PANEL VII – Architectures of Education: Governance, Autonomy, and System Regulation

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Keynote Address
Educational Administration and School Governance Since the Framework Law of the Education System
Licínio Lima

Moderation and Discussion: Alcina de Oliveira Martins

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Coffee Break

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | Keynote Address
The Framework Law and the Curricular Challenges of the Contemporary Portuguese School: Tensions and Perspectives
Rui Trindade

Moderation and Discussion: Alcina de Oliveira Martins

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Session
Elsa Estrela

Registration

Participation is free, but prior registration is required.

Participation method: in person

Registration forms

Registration (for those who do NOT require ACD recognition):
Registration form

Registration (for those who require ACD recognition):
Register on the platform

Instructions for registering on the platform

To register on the platform:

  1. Select “Formação Livre”;
  2. Indicate the academic year (“ano letivo”);
  3. Select the institution (“instituição”);
  4. Choose the course/training corresponding to the Seminar (“curso/formação correspondente ao Seminário”);
  5. Select the preferred attendance option (“regime de frequência pretendido”) and complete the registration;
  6. There is no need to attach any documents (e.g. academic transcripts or certificates).

Note: After submitting your registration, the platform will indicate that your application is pending. This status simply means that your registration is awaiting validation. You will subsequently receive confirmation of your registration.

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)
  • Elisabete Pinto da Costa (Lusófona University / CeiED)
  • Filomena Parada (Lusófona University / CeiED)

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.