Response of state education networks to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to investigate the strategies adopted by state education networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools’ responses to the questionnaire “Educational Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil” applied by INEP as supplement to the School Census in 2020 and 2021, were herein used. Issues associated with pedagogical and managerial strategies, and those adopted by teachers and students, were highlighted. The current results pointed towards unequal adoption of actions by the States, a fact is likely associated with these entities’ technical and institutional capacities. At the same time, it was possible identifying trends towards adopting curricular reorganization in 2020 and actively searching for students in 2021. According
to the teachers, the strategy mostly used by schools and networks lied on holding virtual meetings – as reported by almost all schools, since 2020. On the other hand, the least adopted strategies comprised providing equipment and internet access, as well as training on how to use technological tools. Students, in their turn, highlighted communication between school and students, and the provision of printed materials. Less than 40% of this population was provided with equipment or access to internet. This finding highlights the important role played by the link among school, family and community in decision-making processes and in preventing school dropout.