Curriculum innovation in Portugal–the Area-Escola Initiative

Abstract

Over the past three decades, Portugal has faced the challenges of installing a democratic regime in an attempt to transform an underdeveloped and very traditional society, and to bring its economic and social standing to a par with that of other western European countries. The efforts of the post -197 4 governments in the spheres of the economy, education, social welfare, and culture more generally are considered to have been successful overall, especially when one keeps in mind that prior to 1974, and for a full fifty years, the conservative and authoritarian regime of Salazar kept back the country from all forms of development. Of course, much has still to be done, and the future beckons. In 1998, the health of the Portuguese economy could be gauged by an increasing volume of exports, by robust private investment, and by low unemployment rates. In general terms, Portugal resembles other small, open-market economies in Europe, and is gearing up to join the unified monetary system of the European Union (EU).