National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations

Overview

The Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (INEP) is a federal agency linked to Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC). Established in 1937, INEP is responsible for conducting educational assessments, producing statistical data, and supporting policy development across all levels of education in Brazil. Its work includes administering national exams, publishing educational indicators, and conducting research to inform public policy decisions. According to uniRank, INEP is recognized as a leading institution in educational evaluation in Latin America.

History and Legal Framework

INEP was founded on January 13, 1937, under the name Instituto Nacional de Pedagogia. In 1938, it began its activities and was later renamed to its current designation. In 1997, INEP was officially transformed into a federal public autarchy by Law No. 9,448, linking it directly to the Ministry of Education. This legal framework established INEP as an autonomous entity with its own legal personality, financial autonomy, and administrative independence, enabling it to execute its mission effectively across the national education system.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

INEP’s mission is to produce and disseminate educational statistics and assessments that support the formulation and evaluation of public policies in education. Its core objectives include:

• Conducting national assessments such as the National High School Exam (ENEM) and the National Student Performance Exam (ENADE).
• Managing the National System of Higher Education Evaluation (SINAES).
• Publishing the School Census, the most comprehensive educational survey in Brazil.
• Providing data and analysis to inform decisions at federal, state, and municipal levels.

Through these activities, INEP aims to contribute to the improvement of educational quality and equity in Brazil, aligning with national development goals and international educational standards.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

INEP operates under the Ministry of Education and is led by a president appointed by the President of Brazil. The agency's organizational structure includes various departments and coordinations responsible for specific areas such as basic education, higher education, vocational education, and technological education. INEP's autonomy is ensured by its legal status as a public autarchy, allowing it to execute its functions independently while remaining accountable to the Ministry of Education. The agency's governance framework is outlined in its Statute and Organizational Structure, which are publicly available on its official website.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

INEP plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education institutions in Brazil. It manages the National System of Higher Education Evaluation (SINAES), which encompasses:

• Institutional evaluations.
• Program evaluations.
• Student performance assessments.

These evaluations are conducted through instruments such as the ENADE and institutional assessments, providing data that inform accreditation decisions and quality improvement initiatives. INEP collaborates with the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira to ensure that evaluations are rigorous and aligned with national and international standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

INEP engages in international cooperation to enhance its evaluation practices and contribute to global educational assessments. It participates in networks such as the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and collaborates with organizations like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on studies like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). These partnerships enable INEP to benchmark Brazil's educational performance against international standards and adopt best practices in educational evaluation.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

INEP's assessments and data collection efforts have a significant impact on higher education in Brazil. The information generated through evaluations informs policy decisions, guides institutional improvements, and supports transparency in the education sector. Looking forward, INEP aims to enhance the quality and relevance of its assessments by incorporating emerging trends such as digital education, inclusive education, and sustainability. Its ongoing initiatives include the development of new assessment tools and the expansion of data analytics capabilities to better support evidence-based decision-making in higher education.

Summary

INEP is a cornerstone institution in Brazil's educational landscape, providing essential data and evaluations that support the continuous improvement of the education system. Through its comprehensive assessments and research, INEP contributes to the development of policies that promote educational quality and equity. Its collaborations with international organizations further strengthen its capacity to align Brazil's education system with global standards, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of students and society.

FAQs

• What is INEP?
  INEP is the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira, a federal agency linked to Brazil's Ministry of Education responsible for educational assessments and research.
• When was INEP established?
  INEP was established on January 13, 1937, initially as the Instituto Nacional de Pedagogia.
• What is the role of INEP in higher education?
  INEP evaluates and accredits higher education institutions through the National System of Higher Education Evaluation (SINAES), providing data that inform policy and institutional improvements.
• Does INEP collaborate internationally?
  Yes, INEP participates in international networks such as the IEA and collaborates with the OECD on studies like PISA to align Brazil's education system with global standards.
• How does INEP impact educational policy?
  INEP's assessments and research provide evidence that guide the formulation and evaluation of educational policies at federal, state, and municipal levels, contributing to the improvement of the education system.

Organization Name

National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations
Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais

Acronym

INEP

Year of Establishment

1937

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

SIG Quadra 04 lote 327 - Zona Industrial
Brasília
70610-908 Distrito Federal Brazil

Phone

+55 (61) 2022 3630

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations's YouTube channel

Instagram

National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

National Institute of Educational Studies and Investigations's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Brazilian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Brazil.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.