Structural reform of basic education from the 2027-2028 academic year, with a review of essential learning.
The Government is preparing a structural reform of basic education that provides for the merger of the 1st and 2nd cycles from the 2027-2028 academic year.
The measure was confirmed by the Minister of Education in Parliament and aims to create a continuous school path, without the disruption that currently occurs in the transition from the 4th to the 5th year.
The change involves, firstly, a change in the organization of the cycles, explained Fernando Alexandre. That is, there is no longer a formal separation between the 1st and 2nd cycle. The intention is to ensure greater pedagogical continuity and reduce the difficulties often associated with changing schools, working methods and assessment models in the students’ journey.
A curricular review of essential learning and a reorganization of content are also planned.
Unification should also have an impact on the way teachers work. The model could evolve into more stable teams with greater coordination between generalist and specialist teachers, although the details are still to be defined, confirmed the .
One of the main doubts concerns the monoteaching: the Ministry did not clarify whether the 1st cycle teacher will be able to continue to accompany students beyond the 4th year when the merger comes into force.
The implementation of the reform will also require internal reorganization in schools regarding timetables, distribution of teachers and pedagogical coordination. In Parliament, the minister justified the calendar with the need to prepare the transition in time and listen to schools and experts.
The review process will be monitored by the OECD and should be completed by 2027.
