Experiences, perceptions and expectations of students in managerial school of Educational network of São Paulo

Abstract This paper analyses the students’ experience in relation to schools occupancy movements in 2015 and their perceptions and opinions on educational policy of the State of São Paulo from 1995 to 2018. We conducted a documentary and bibliographic research on São Paulo’s educational policy and interviews with former high school students who participated in schools occupancy. The concept of “experience” is used for the analysis of empirical material and the notion of New Public Management (NPM) under the influence of neoliberalism is used to understand educational policy. We verified that students, based on their experiences, formulated criticisms and expectations regarding the programs and projects of the São Paulo State Secretariat of Education (SEE-SP). They are criticisms that defend a universal, plural and democratic school as opposed to managerialism and the New Public Management.