ABSTRACT
This chapter complicates that narrative by providing a case study where GERM-type policies would actually be useful. To make the case for GERM, this chapter begins by providing an historical primer on Brazil. It then argues that the GERM policies promoted by the National Education Plan (PNE) make sense insofar as they can help Brazil deal with high levels of corruption, challenges in student retention, inequitable access to education, and widespread illiteracy and deficits in basic numeracy skills. Given the structure of Brazilian educational governance, there are a number of reasons why GERM makes some sense for this nation. Specifically, its problems with corruption, challenges with retention, history of inequitable opportunities, and challenges with achievement all warrant a plan of action like the PNE because there is a need to promote efficiency and accountability. Finally, the PNE makes sense insofar as it addresses basic skills, like numeracy and literacy.
