School autonomy in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic: Diffuse policies from the government, a claim from school communities

Abstract

This article delves into the processes of school autonomy that emer­ged at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, from the lenses given by the analysis of the policy cycle of the federal government intervention to secure the continuity in distance education. Through a documentary review of academic literature and official documents, as well as interviews and focus groups with figures of basic and upper secondary education, it is concluded that, historically, school autonomy has been a diffuse political project in Mexico and that it was not a present axis in the government’s response to the emergency. However, some school communities have demanded recognition of their autonomy to decide and act collectively.