La escuela de papel. Agencias y agentes educativos en Atacama. Municipio de Calama y comunidades atacameñas (1888-1950)

We analyze the process of incorporation of the territories of the Atacama Desert in Chile, by considering the implementation of the educational system in the Departamento de El Loa during the first half of Twenty Century. Based on historical documentation we propose that was the Municipality of Calama, local agents and the atacamenians who articulated the Chilean school at regional level, becoming relevant actors, which contradicts the discourse of efficiency and effectiveness of the State from the metropolis.