MEC suspends new high school and changes in Enem

The Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, confirmed the temporary suspension of the implementation of the new secondary education and also of the changes in the National Secondary Education Examination (Enem). The information was given by Santana this Tuesday (4). The minister presented the draft of the new ordinance to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), but the document has not yet been published in the Official Gazette (DOU).

The ordinance will suspend for 60 days the deadlines of another 2021 document, from the management of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), according to information from Brazil Agency. At the time, the Ministry of Education (MEC) established deadlines for the implementation of the changes approved in 2017. The document determined that in 2022 the new model should be implemented in the 1st year of high school. In 2023, in the 2nd year and in 2024, in the 3rd year, with the Enem already adapted to the modified scenario of subjects and training itineraries.

The secondary education reform, approved in 2017, provides for the progressive adoption of full-time education at this stage of basic education and curricular changes. Instead of the 13 previously planned subjects, students would be able to choose between five training itineraries: mathematics, languages, natural sciences, humanities and professional training.

Matter of People’s Gazette showed that Lula had already signaled that he intended to make changes to the new model. Education unions and student movements have been pressing the government for changes. As the reform of secondary education was approved in Congress, after the presentation of a Provisional Measure during the government of former President Michel Temer (MDB), its complete repeal would depend on a new evaluation made by deputies and senators.

Santana resists the proposal to stop the reform completely for fear of political tensions with the state secretaries of education, as many defend the new model. But he defends the revision of the proposal.

“We recognize that there has not been a more in-depth dialogue of its implementation [do novo ensino médio], there was no coordination by the Ministry of Education. The ministry was silent, especially in the difficult period that was the pandemic in that country, and there is a need for us to be able to review this whole discussion”, said Santana, this Tuesday, to Brazil Agency.

In early March, the government announced that it would hold a public consultation for the evaluation and restructuring of the new high school, through public hearings, work meetings, seminars and surveys with students, teachers and school administrators. The consultation lasts for 90 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension.