EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF CEARÁ'S EDUCATIONAL REFORM

Abstract

Education in Brazil faces challenges related to the quality and efficiency of public spending, which do not always result in improvements in learning outcomes. In this context, the state of Ceará stands out for its educational reforms, such as the redistribution of ICMS based on performance and the Literacy at the Right Age Program (PAIC), which aimed to enhance municipal education management and quality.Thus, this study evaluated the impact of these reforms on the efficiency of educational expenditures, analyzing their relationship with local public management. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to calculate an efficiency score, and the Simar and Wilson (2007) method was applied to estimate the effect of these policies on the efficiency of municipal public spending. Finally, efficiency was related to the Municipal Management Effectiveness Index (IEGM) through multiple linear regressions.The results showed that educational reforms in Ceará had a positive impact on the efficiency of municipal spending, with municipalities that adopted better management practices demonstrating a more efficient allocation of educational resources. This reinforces the importance of municipal governance for the success of educational policies and the optimization of public spending in the sector