Brazil - Support to Upper Secondary Reform in Brazil Operation Project

Overview & Synopsis

Ratings for the Support to Upper Secondary Reform in Brazil Operation Project for Brazil were as follows: outcome and Bank performance was satisfactory, and monitoring and evaluation (M and E) quality was substantial. Some lessons learned included: secondary education reform is notoriously complex, all the more so in a federal context with shared responsibilities among different levels of government, and in the midst of national elections that result in changes in orientation among newly elected authorities at all levels. Flexibility and timely adjustment in response to exogenous events is critical to maintain implementation on track and outcomes achievable, and at times may require pausing, stepping back and reevaluating priorities. Program-for-Results (PforR) operations should, to the extent possible, rely on indicators monitored regularly with government M&E systems, especially when the government’s systems are robust and provide timely, quality data. Strong fiduciary arrangements and a clear definition of, and agreement upon, responsibilities are critical in a PforR operation.