The study presents a reflection on the process of the reorganization of Elementary Education following the implementation of Law 9394/96. Furthermore, it emphasizes the expansion in the assistance provided by schools and the increase in the number of years at this level of schooling as well as the increase in the daily hours spent in school. Regarding this, the influences and determinations of agencies and international institutions, their impact on Brazilian legislation, and—as a consequence—their effects on political actions are discussed. Furthermore, the study indicates that Elementary Education provides for the interests of the capitalist class, which can be seen in the documents of international agencies. The numerous legal changes that took place in the period have been influenced by the assumptions that can be seen in the international documents. The study demonstrates that the advancements related to the reorganization of this level of schooling are contradictory and attend to the interests of the population in general and to society’s hegemonic commitments.
Elementary education; Universalization of education; Nine-year elementary school; Full time school