Brazil Advances Strategic Education Policies Focusing on High School Reform and Municipal Collaboration

In January 2026, Brazil intensified efforts to strengthen education policies at both high school and municipal levels through significant initiatives. On January 29, the Ministry of Education (MEC) held an online meeting titled "High School as a Strategic Policy on the Agenda in Pedagogical Weeks," engaging 300 participants from state secretariats and educational networks. The event emphasized combating student dropout, creating engaging curricula, and fostering welcoming school environments. Katia Schweickardt, MEC Secretary of Basic Education, highlighted the urgency of making curricula more attractive and listening to students to ensure their active presence in school. The meeting also focused on integrating the Pé-de-Meia program into the National High School Education Policy (PNAEM) for systemic educational improvements.

Meanwhile, the Jornada do Regime de Colaboração 2026, held from October 27 to 29 in Guarapari by Espírito Santo’s Secretary of State for Education, offered a platform for collaboration among municipal education secretariats. The event, attended by teachers, policymakers, and experts like writer Daniel Munduruku and political scientist Gustavo Carlos Macedo, underscored education’s role in sustainable development and the necessity of integrated planning. Education Secretary Jenilza Spinassé stressed the importance of supporting pedagogical interventions and monitoring educational professionals to enhance quality.

These events collectively underline Brazil’s strategic commitment to educational equity, quality, and the fostering of partnerships from early childhood through high school. As Subsecretary Regina Ramos Azeredo stated, the focus is on equity, transparency, and results to uphold national education quality with evidence-based policies and practices.