Portugal education law requires updates for digital age

Experts and academics are calling for a comprehensive revision of Portugal’s Basic Law of the Educational System, which has remained largely unchanged since its approval in 1986. While the law was instrumental in democratizing the educational system and expanding access to schooling, critics argue that the current legal framework has become a fragmented ‘patchwork’ that no longer meets 21st-century demands.

Key areas identified for reform include the integration of digital transformation and artificial intelligence into the pedagogical process. Liliana Rodrigues, a professor at the University of Madeira, emphasized that rather than demonizing AI, it should be embraced as a new element of communication in teaching.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need to address persistent inequalities linked to socioeconomic contexts and to ensure that regional autonomy is supported by sufficient resources to prevent further educational disparities. Discussions also highlight the necessity of improving student success rates and tackling school dropout rates, particularly in higher education.