THE PERFORMANCE OF EDUCATION IN PARAÍBA: AN ANALYSIS OF EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS AND THEIR DETERMINANTS

Abstract

Currently, the Northeast is the region with the highest illiteracy rate in Brazil, with 14% of the population unable to write a simple letter. Additionally, this region is home to 48 of the 50 municipalities in the country with an illiteracy rate equal to or greater than 30% (IBGE, 2024). In Paraíba, which is among the three states with the worst education indices in the region, the implementation of educational policies has been a continuous challenge, reflected in the educational indicators over the years. Given this scenario, this article aims to contribute to the educational debate in Paraíba, as the literature on education in the state is scarce. The study utilizes secondary data provided by the Federal Government, including the 2010 census and the recently released 2022 census, as well as the Ideb (2007-2021). In addition to presenting these data, the study seeks to understand the underlying factors affecting the educational performance of public elementary schools in the state. From the analyses, it was possible to identify that the obstacles to education in Paraíba are still numerous, including socioeconomic factors, school infrastructure, and student retention rates.