Políticas educacionais: o IDEB como caminho para uma educação de qualidade em Maceió-AL?

Abstract

The Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) is one of the main instruments for evaluating basic education in Brazil and is widely used in public policy formulation, although it has been criticized when applied as an exclusive measure of educational quality, especially in socially unequal contexts. In this regard, this study analyzes the behavior of IDEB in the Final Years of Elementary Education within the municipal school system of Maceió, Alagoas, from 2021 to 2023, examining its relationship with educational quality and local educational policies. The research adopts a quantitative and qualitative approach, based on the analysis of IDEB data, School Census information, student flow indicators, and a specialized literature review. The results indicate punctual improvements but reveal significant weaknesses, notably that approximately 40% of the schools did not generate IDEB scores in 2023 and that some schools experienced performance declines. It is concluded that while IDEB is a relevant diagnostic tool, it is limited when not combined with continuous monitoring, consistente pedagogical management, and intersectoral policies aimed at reducing educational inequalities.