São Paulo’s state Education Secretariat will stop buying books for public school students from sixth grade onwards. From 2024, students will only have access to digital academic content.
This is the first time the state has been left out of the National Didactic Book Program, in which the Education Ministry transfers money to local governments to buy school books. In practice, São Paulo state has foregone around BRL 200 million (USD 41 million) in funding.
The measure, which should impact about 4 million students, provoked an avalanche of criticism from teachers. They say that education through digital means alone hinders the absorption of learning. Access issues were also highlighted, as low-income students often have poor internet access and there are many areas where signal is poor.
Amid the controversy, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said that schools will offer printed handouts for students to supplement digital resources — but said they will not change their mind about books.
The decision came from Education Secretary Renato Feder, appointed by Mr. Freitas to occupy the top education position at the beginning of the year. He countered critics, saying that students will be able to use the internet at school, outside of class, and added that electronic devices allow for more lively learning, with videos,...
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