This article is a review of published studies about school cycles and school progression in this country, based on a survey of academic publications on this issue covering the period from 1980 to the first half of 2002, as well as more recent material. From the focal points identified during the preliminary review of the material carried out in the above-mentioned survey the text attempts to highlight: conclusions drawn from the historical recovery of the experiences of introducing cycles in schools; data on the coverage and current configuration of schools organized in cycles in Brazil; dimensions emphasized, omitted or little explored in essays and research on school cycles; bibliographical sources for the study of specific experiences. Special attention is given to recent articles that refer to the reforms carried out in state capital cities, which have introduced the cycle organization within innovative contexts, such as those conducted in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre. As a conclusion, the authors consider that, although the literature examined does contain valuable elements to the comprehension of the current stage in which the issues related to school cycles find themselves, the ongoing policies demand further investigation covering the dimensions of formulation, implementation and impact; timely studies are not just those of a descriptive or analytical nature, but also those submitting proposals.
School cycles; School progression; School democratization; Elementary school
