In an increasingly challenging educational landscape, understanding and using indicators strategically is no longer a competitive advantage—it has become a necessity. In an interview with Conexão Bett, Fabricio Vieira, deputy director of education at FTD Educação, highlighted how the thoughtful use of metrics can support more effective decision-making and foster more meaningful learning in schools.

According to him, the current challenge no longer lies in collecting data, but in the ability to transform it into concrete actions that have an impact on everyday educational life.

Although educational indicators have existed for decades—since the creation of INEP back in the 1930s—Vieira points out that the current moment marks a shift in behavior. “Today, we need to look at the data to promote evidence-based actions, ” he says. In his view, it is no longer possible to manage an educational institution without consistent information to guide pedagogical and administrative decisions.

In practice, these indicators fall into two complementary categories: educational and academic. Vieira explains that while educational indicators provide a macro view—such as literacy rates in school systems, for example—academic indicators delve deeper into the classroom level, allowing for an analysis of each student’s individual development.

“When we step back from the big picture, we can understand, for example, each student’s reading proficiency and take more targeted action,” he explains.

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Despite the growing availability of data, the FTD’s deputy director of education emphasizes that the main challenge remains structuring an efficient cycle for using this information. He highlights the importance of the PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, and Act), which guides data analysis, the planning of interventions, and the implementation of actions.

“Having the data is just the beginning. What truly transforms education is the ability to act on that data so that students can actually learn the necessary skills,” he points out.

This approach becomes even more relevant when linked to the idea of a well-rounded education. According to Vieira, the focus on indicators should not be limited to academic performance alone, but should contribute to the individual’s full development.

He quotes researcher José Libâneo of the Federal University of Goiás, emphasizing that “there is no social justice without knowledge, ” and noting that access to education is essential for the exercise of citizenship and for building a more equitable society.

In this context, indicators also help identify structural challenges with significant social impact. A low literacy rate, for example, is not just a statistical figure, but a warning sign of potential gaps that could jeopardize an entire generation’s educational trajectory. “If there is no collective commitment by educators to address these indicators, the impact extends beyond the school and affects society as a whole,” he warns.

Artificial Intelligence

Technology—especially artificial intelligence—is emerging as an important ally in this process. Vieira argues that we must overcome resistance and integrate these tools into the educational ecosystem. According to him, AI makes it possible to speed up analyses, organize data on a large scale, and reduce the subjectivity of evaluations.

At FTD Educação, for example, there are already initiatives that use artificial intelligence to assess students’ reading proficiency levels, capturing data in real time and providing accurate assessments.

“The benefit is that we no longer have to spend energy on manual analysis, which is subjective, and can now focus on pedagogical intervention,” he says. As a result, administrators and teachers are able to act more quickly and efficiently, tailoring teaching strategies and continuously monitoring students’ progress.

With over 120 years of history, FTD Educaçãohas established itself as one of the leading providers of educational solutions in the country. The company’s portfolio includes textbooks and literary works, educational systems, digital platforms, and a variety of tools designed to support the holistic development of students.

Ultimately, the message is clear: educational indicators are not just numbers, but essential tools for understanding the reality of schools, guiding decisions, and ensuring that learning takes place in an effective and meaningful way.

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