Brazil Advances Education Reforms with Inclusive Policies, Student Support, and Health Programs
Brazil enacts inclusive education reforms, student support policies, and health programs to enhance academic success and equity in 2025.
- • Brazil published Decree No. 12.773/2025 to enhance inclusive special education policies, including children aged 0-3 years.
- • Pará's Alepa approved Student Assistance Policy (PAEUEPA) for the University of the State of Pará, focusing on socioeconomic vulnerable students.
- • Bons Olhos Paraná Program became a permanent state policy to provide eye health services to public school children in Paraná.
- • These initiatives collectively aim to reduce dropout rates, improve academic performance, and promote educational equity.
- • Teacher training and support roles are being expanded to better serve inclusive education needs.
Key details
Brazil has recently implemented significant education reforms and policies in 2025 aiming to enhance academic success, inclusivity, and student well-being. A new government decree, legislative approvals in Pará, and a sanctioned statewide health policy in Paraná reflect comprehensive efforts to improve education quality and support systems across the country.
On December 9, the Brazilian government published Decree No. 12.773/2025 to strengthen the National Policy for Inclusive Special Education. This initiative expands the target group to include children from 0 to 3 years old and guarantees access to inclusive education for students with disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and high abilities or giftedness. The decree mandates increased teacher training—360 hours for specialized educational services teachers and 180 hours for school support professionals—and defines the roles of support staff according to individualized educational plans. It upholds constitutional rights and international disability conventions, promoting equal opportunity without discrimination in regular schools.
Meanwhile, on September 9, Pará's Legislative Assembly approved Bill No. 773/2025 establishing the Student Assistance Policy (PAEUEPA) at the University of the State of Pará (UEPA). This policy targets students facing socioeconomic vulnerabilities by providing a dedicated budget to support their retention and success. Governor Helder Barbalho emphasized that the policy aims to reduce dropout rates and enhance academic performance by enabling better access and involvement in research and extension programs. Alongside this, the Plan of Career, Positions, and Salaries for UEPA staff was updated to adjust salaries of key university employees involved in educational activities.
In Paraná, on December 10, Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior sanctioned Law No. 22.885/2025, cementing the Bons Olhos Paraná Program as a permanent state policy. It integrates health, education, and social assistance to provide eye care services—including vision screenings, specialist consultations, and free glasses—to children and adolescents in public schools. Over 84,000 students have benefited so far, with plans to expand to 539,000 students across 275 municipalities through a R$ 64.7 million investment. The program aims to reduce educational inequalities caused by vision problems, preventing dropouts and enhancing learning outcomes.
Together, these measures demonstrate Brazil’s commitment to inclusive education policies, student assistance, and health-education integration. By addressing socioeconomic and health barriers, these reforms intend to promote student retention, improve academic results, and ensure equitable learning opportunities nationwide.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.