The purpose of this article is to develop some ideas that may contribute to the debate about the secondary education in Brazil, giving emphasis to the conditions existing in the educational institutions, the ongoing educational policies and the challenges posed by the social, economic and political reality of the country. It is also discussed the political, social and economic importance of the expansion and the compulsory character of secondary education as well as the school's culture dimension, in its relationship to the so-called "knowledge society". Finally, the role of secondary education for the youth and the new demands it poses for teachers are presented, among some others aspects.
educational policies; secondary education; compulsory education