The question of whether the merger of the 1st and 2nd cycles of basic education benefits the country is generating debate among former education ministers. Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues and Nuno Crato expressed criticism of the way Fernando Alexandre, current Minister of Education, announced the reorganization of education cycles.
Both former ministers consider that the immediate priority should be focused on Portugal's results in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), rather than proceeding with changes to the cycle structure.
Fernando Alexandre's announcement about the reorganization was received with reservations by his predecessors in the position, who questioned the timing and approach chosen for this structural change in the Portuguese education system.
The debate arises in a context where Portugal's results in international education assessments have been closely monitored, leading former officials to argue that any structural reform should prioritize improvement on these results.
