Educational performance declines in Uruguay and Argentina

Recent reports indicate a decline in educational outcomes for secondary students in Uruguay and Argentina, particularly in reading and mathematics.

In Uruguay, the National Institute for Educational Evaluation (INEEd) reported that ninth-grade students in 2025 achieved lower results in reading and mathematics compared to 2022. Only 30.6% of students met national targets in mathematics, while 72% met targets in reading. The report highlights a significant gap between Montevideo and the country's interior, where 72.1% of students fall into lower performance levels in mathematics. Additionally, over 60% of public high schools reported starting the year with teacher shortages.

In Argentina, the Latin American School Results Index shows that only 19 out of 100 students aged 15 reach minimum expected knowledge levels in language and mathematics. While school enrollment is high at 97% for adolescents, experts note a disconnect between attendance and actual learning. The situation is exacerbated by rising poverty levels, which directly impact educational trajectories and quality.