National Commission for Higher Education Evaluation

Overview

A Comissão Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (CONAES) is an autonomous collegiate body linked to Brazil's Ministry of Education. Established by Law No. 10,861 on April 14, 2004, CONAES is primarily responsible for coordinating the National System for the Evaluation of Higher Education (SINAES). This system aims to ensure the quality of higher education institutions and programs across Brazil. SINAES encompasses three key components: institutional evaluation, program evaluation and student performance assessment, which are operationalized by the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (INEP).

History and Legal Framework

CONAES was created under Law No. 10,861 of April 14, 2004, as part of a comprehensive reform to develop a structured and transparent evaluation model for higher education in Brazil. Prior to CONAES, evaluation mechanisms in Brazilian higher education were limited and lacked a cohesive framework. The law introduced a more systematic approach, emphasizing quality assurance and accountability in higher education institutions nationwide.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The mission of CONAES is to coordinate and oversee the evaluation process of higher education in Brazil, fostering continuous improvement in the quality of institutions and academic programs. Its vision is to support the development of excellence in higher education that aligns with societal needs and labor market demands. The commission’s main objectives include:

• Ensuring academic and institutional quality of higher education institutions;
• Promoting transparency and accountability in higher education;
• Guiding evidence-based public policies;
• Encouraging a culture of evaluation and self-assessment within institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CONAES is composed of members appointed by the Minister of Education, each serving a defined term as stipulated by law. The commission’s collegiate structure includes representatives from diverse academic disciplines and civil society, ensuring a plurality of perspectives in its decision-making. Operating with technical and scientific autonomy, CONAES maintains impartiality and rigor throughout the evaluation processes.

Role in Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

CONAES plays a central role in the accreditation and quality assessment of higher education in Brazil through SINAES. The system integrates institutional self-assessment conducted by Internal Evaluation Committees (CPAs), external evaluations carried out by commissions delegated by INEP and the National Student Performance Exam (ENADE), which measures student learning outcomes. This comprehensive approach supports quality assurance and helps inform policy and institutional improvements.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CONAES engages with international bodies dedicated to higher education evaluation and quality assurance. By participating in global forums and networks, the commission exchanges knowledge, aligns with best practices and adapts international standards to the Brazilian context, thus enhancing the evaluation framework and its effectiveness.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

CONAES has significantly influenced Brazilian higher education by shaping public policies, institutional strategies and societal perceptions of educational quality. Its evaluations have fostered improvements in academic management, faculty qualifications and infrastructure development. Looking ahead, CONAES is expected to remain pivotal in addressing emerging challenges and evolving demands within Brazil’s higher education sector, continuing to promote quality and accountability.

Summary

The Comissão Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (CONAES) is an autonomous commission under Brazil’s Ministry of Education, responsible for coordinating the National System for the Evaluation of Higher Education (SINAES). Founded by Law No. 10,861 in 2004, CONAES aims to assure the quality of higher education institutions and programs through systematic, transparent evaluations. The commission’s work impacts policies and institutional practices, contributing substantially to the advancement of Brazil’s higher education quality landscape.

FAQs

• What is CONAES?
  CONAES is the National Commission for Higher Education Evaluation in Brazil, responsible for coordinating the country’s system for evaluating higher education.
• What is the mission of CONAES?
  Its mission is to oversee and coordinate the evaluation process of higher education, promoting continuous quality improvement.
• How does CONAES contribute to higher education quality?
  CONAES contributes by coordinating institutional self-assessments, external evaluations and student performance exams to ensure comprehensive quality assurance.
• Is CONAES independent?
  Yes, CONAES operates with technical and scientific independence, ensuring impartiality in evaluations.
• What are the main objectives of CONAES?
  Its main objectives include ensuring academic quality, promoting transparency, guiding evidence-based policies and fostering evaluation cultures within institutions.

Organization Name

National Commission for Higher Education Evaluation
Comissão Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior

Acronym

CONAES

Year of Establishment

2004

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Edifício Sede do Conselho Nacional de Educação - CNESGAS, Av. L2 Sul, Quadra 607, Lote 50 - Térreo - Sala 16
Brasília
70200-670 Distrito Federal Brazil

Phone

+55 (61) 2022 7680

Fax

+55 (61) 2022 7796

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

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