Programa Piauiense de Alfabetização (PPAIC): “alfabetizar na idade certa, não importa a que custo

Abstract

This study analyzed nine official state-level documents that regulate the Piauí Literacy at the Right Age Program (PPAIC). The Program is structured around five axes: strengthening learning; strengthening municipal and school management; cooperation, coordination, and incentives; communication and engagement; and external assessment and monitoring of indicators. The objective was to highlight the interfaces between PPAIC and neoliberal- oriented policies and to identify how the actions encompassed by the Program affect the transition from Early Childhood Education to Elementary School. A qualitative research design was adopted, and data was produced through documentary analysis. The results indicate that, although PPAIC represents a collective effort to ensure literacy by age seven, it aligns with market driven logics grounded in managerialism, competitiveness, and meritocracy, which generates contradictions with the principles of a democratic rule of law state. The study concludes that guaranteeing the right to literacy, as well as ensuring a transition that promotes care, continuity of learning, and pedagogical coherence, must be addressed in relation to broader issues expressed in both extra and intra school dimensions. This requires an intersectoral, inclusive, and democratic policy grounded in principles such as respect for the autonomy of school systems and educators, recognition of student diversity, and adequate funding.