Return of in-person classes in Brazil

October 2020, study conducted by Trocando Fraldas with more than 11,800 women between October 8 and 12, 2020: On October 7th, the Ministry of Education (MEC) released the guide with the health protocol for the resumption of in-person classes in basic education up to high school in Brazil. This guide was based on the instructions of the WHO - World Health Organization, Unesco, and Unicef. From there, it is up to the state and municipal governments, together with the schools, to decide how the gradual return to school will take place.

Even with all necessary protective measures being put into practice, this topic has generated a lot of debate in Brazilian households. Although some are in favor of returning to classes, our most recent study found that 86% of Brazilian mothers and fathers agree that in-person classes should not resume at this time.

Do you agree with extending the suspension
of in-person classes in schools?

Is remote education accessible to everyone?

If we consider men and women with and without children, that is, in the overall survey without group separation, 82% agree with extending the suspension of in-person classes in schools. After all, even people without children have strong opinions about returning to school.

However, when talking about maintaining confinement, it is important to consider: How many families are able to participate in remote classes, which are mostly delivered through digital systems that require internet connection, or by TV?

According to our participants, only 46% of families have the means for their children to participate in remote education without restrictions, that is, to take part in all the classes and in all the available formats.

Do your children have or would they have the means to participate
in remote education without restrictions?

Remote education by state

  • Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná are at the top of the list of families who have the means for their children to participate in remote education without restrictions. With 57% for Rio Grande do Sul, and 52% for the other two states.
  • In São Paulo, at least half of the population has or would have the means for their children to participate in this form of remote learning.
  • And in Rio de Janeiro, 44% of respondents said they have the means to do so.

Ranking of states where children have the means to participate
in remote education without restrictions

  • 1.Santa Catarina
  • 2.Rio Grande do Sul
  • 3.Paraná
  • 4.Tocantins
  • 5.São Paulo
  • 6.Mato Grosso
  • 7.Distrito Federal
  • 8.Mato Grosso do Sul
  • 9.Ceará
  • 10.Paraíba
  • 11.Minas Gerais
  • 12.Goiás
  • 13.Rondônia
  • 14.Amapá
  • 15.Rio de Janeiro
  • 16.Piauí
  • 17.Rio Grande do Norte
  • 18.Espírito Santo
  • 19.Acre
  • 20.Maranhão
  • 21.Alagoas
  • 22.Amazonas
  • 23.Roraima
  • 24.Bahia
  • 25.Sergipe
  • 26.Pernambuco
  • 27.Pará

School dropout and social inequality

Given the percentage of families that do not have the means for their children to participate in remote education without restrictions, another concern arises: school dropout and, consequently, social inequality.

Our study found that 61% of participants believe that remote classes increase school dropout and social inequality.

Do you believe that remote classes increase
school dropout and social inequality?

Parents as participants in the learning process

During this pandemic, parents are playing an important role in their children's learning, and while staying at home, they have been able to help with schoolwork. As shown by our study, 75% of participants have time to help their children with school tasks. Especially women (76%), more than men (69%).

  • In Piauí, Tocantins and Paraíba, 83% of parents are able to help their children with schoolwork.
  • In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, 73% of families are able to do so.
  • The state with the lowest percentage and availability is Acre, with 67% of participants.

Extension of the suspension of classes by state

As mentioned at the beginning of the study, 86% of Brazilian mothers and fathers agree that in-person classes should not be resumed at this time. Below, we list the percentages by state.

Rate of Brazilians who agree with extending
the suspension of in-person classes in schools

Research Method

The study had national coverage and was conducted with more than 11,800 people between October 8 and 12, 2020. The data collection method was through an online questionnaire form.

The following questions were addressed:

  • Do you agree with extending the suspension of in-person classes in schools?
  • Do your children have or would they have the means to participate in remote education without restrictions?
  • Do you have or would you have time to help your children with schoolwork?
  • Do you believe that remote classes increase school dropout and social inequality?

To compare results between regions and states, the answers to affirmative questions were counted as numbers, 1 for "yes" and 0 for "no". Some questions, aiming for more qualitative results, were developed with more options.