Recent data reveals that only 49.3% of Brazilian second-grade students are literate, according to the National Basic Education Assessment System (Saeb). This represents a significant drop from 55% in 2019 and a failure to recover from pandemic-related setbacks.
The government's own "Criança Alfabetizada" indicator claims a higher literacy rate (56%), creating a discrepancy that casts doubt on the reliability of both assessments. The initial decision by the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research AnÃsio Teixeira (Inep) to withhold Saeb data raises concerns about transparency. The government's justification centers on Saeb's smaller sample size and larger margins of error, but critics argue this is an attempt to hide inconvenient numbers.
Experts, including Priscila Cruz of Todos Pela Educação, express skepticism about the government's claims of overcoming pandemic-related learning losses. Guilherme Lichand of Stanford University questions the value of a costly assessment with such high margins of error. Both call for improved data collection and more robust educational policies.
Regardless of the precise figures, it's clear that Brazil needs reliable data, stronger public policies, and significant improvements in basic education. The current situation demands immediate and decisive action, not celebration, but deep concern.