Who is in charge of your child's school? No one

In Portugal, the education system faces significant challenges, highlighted by poor national exam results and a concerning PISA ranking. The disparity in school performance raises questions about equity, particularly between public and private institutions. Factors such as social origin and management practices contribute to these issues, with public schools showing varying success rates among students receiving social support. The current system lacks effective decentralization and accountability, leading to declining educational outcomes. Proposed reforms focus on establishing a rigorous national curriculum, granting schools more financial and administrative autonomy, and improving teacher evaluation methods. Long-term strategies are essential to enhance educational equity and ensure that all students receive quality education.