ENSINO RELIGIOSO E AÇÃO DOCENTE: LEGISLAÇÃO E PRÁTICA NA REDE DE ENSINO MUNICIPAL DE UBERLÂNDIA-MG

Abstract

The study investigated the history of religious education in Brazil, with a focus on its implementation in municipal public schools in Uberlândia-MG, analyzing teaching practices and compliance with current legislation. The research began in the first half of 2023 with a literature review and progressed in the second half of the same year, incorporating the application of a questionnaire to teachers, as well as field research. In 2024, based on new evidence, the work was completed, answering the research problem questions in a comprehensive and well-founded manner. One of the central questions addressed was “Who teaches Religious Education in Uberlândia?” The research revealed significant gaps in teachers' initial and continuing training. Another point analyzed was “What and how is it taught?” It was found that in the early years of elementary school, the focus is on values such as respect, but there is a tendency to avoid topics related to religiosity, thus neglecting what should be taught according to national and municipal legislation. Although the municipality complements the National Common Core Curriculum effectively through its Municipal Curriculum Guidelines, there are problems in the use and knowledge of the recommended bibliography, aggravated by the low participation of teachers in the training offered. Finally, on the question “Does the municipality of Uberlândia follow the legislation in force?”, it can be said that, in terms of initial teacher training, the legislation is still not complied with. In short, although the contents of the BNCC are covered, teaching practices need to be better aligned. Based on the evidence presented throughout the research, at the end suggestions were made to minimize or solve the problems identified, promoting an improvement in the quality of teaching and in the content presented. These actions aim to contribute to a more complete and reflective education for both students and teachers.