ABSTRACT
This paper analyzes the data generated by the responses of the principals of public elementary schools to the Prova Brasil, applied every two years across the country, including questions about religious education. The results found for the period 2011-2017 showed that, on average, 69% of these schools offered this subject, 54% of them doing it mandatory, and 77% do not have alternative activities for non-chosen students. In addition, the text presents a comparison between the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, regarding the same issues. The article ends with comments on the character of this discipline in public schools, based on the analyzed data and related information.
Keywords
Brazilian education; Elementary education; Religious education; Secular education