The Prêmio Escola Nota Dez (PENDez) - an instrument to reduce educational inequalities in child literacy

ABSTRACT This paper aims to analyze the role of the Programa de Aprendizagem na Idade Certa [Program for Appropriate Age Learning] (Paic) in relation to educational inequalities in elementary schools in Ceará State, Brazil, since 2007, when its implementation began. The focus of this study is the Prêmio Escola Nota Dez (PENDez) [Grade A school prize], an instrument to induce public action used to reward and to allocate financial support to public schools based in cut-off points established by the state’s assessment system. This study is based on a qualitative approach, with the analysis of interviews, visits to schools, documentary research and data from national and state educational assessments. The theoretical foundation is based on the instrumentation of public action and bureaucratic agencies. The data analyzed indicate that all 184 municipalities of Ceará reached the ideal level of literacy in state assessments in 2019. According to the most recent indicators, Ceará's educational policies to combat child illiteracy are promising. The results of these policies have been effective in reducing educational inequalities in elementary schools in Ceará, which stands out among Brazilian states with successful experiences in public education.