Improving Learning Through Planning: Francisco Morato and the Predictors of Learning

As an annual and holistic process to monitor the implementation of education policies, the Predictors of Learning helps school leaders identify gaps that affect student performance, take corrective actions, and evaluate their impact within an annual planning cycle.

In Francisco Morato, the lack of assessments capable of diagnosing student performance in key literacy and math skills was identified. In response, the school district created a local assessment system to track learning at the individual level.

Another critical point was the need to update teaching practices in literacy and math. The diagnosis highlighted the importance of strengthening ongoing teacher training. As a result, the school district established a teacher training center and implemented continuous professional development programs.

Based on diagnostic data from the Predictors of Learning, a series of action plans were developed over time, each adapted to the school district’s needs and implementation capacity. In the partnership between Motriz and Francisco Morato, three major outcomes stand out.

First, the creation of a teacher training center and the structuring of continuous development programs, especially in literacy and math.

Second, the establishment of a local assessment policy and system (SAM), which expanded visibility into student learning in key Portuguese and Math skills, enabling more accurate diagnostics and tailored strategies.

Finally, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the school district developed training for hybrid teaching, remote learning strategies, and specific learning recovery programs to support students returning to in-person education.

In Francisco Morato, the results from the Predictors of Learning played a key role in fostering a data-driven planning culture and strengthening process management. The diagnostic provided clear guidance on which indicators and practices the Education Department should closely monitor to boost student learning.
Based on the Predictors, the school district began implementing more robust planning focused on continuous improvement in three central areas:

1. Teacher professional development,
2. The use of diagnostic assessments, and
3. The implementation of learning recovery programs designed to address students’ learning gaps.

After partnering with Motriz, Francisco Morato advanced in literacy and learning recovery by creating the Municipal Assessment System (SAM) and implementing programs after the return to in-person classes.
SAM is applied to elementary students, with calibrated items and a competency matrix aligned with the district’s curriculum and goals. Results guide efforts to ensure age-appropriate literacy and progress in language and math.
Using Predictors of Learning, the district launched strategies to reduce gaps, accelerate progress, and lower dropout rates. Pedagogical monitoring was linked to goals and action plans, with data guiding school-level decisions.
Schools also fostered community engagement, involving families to support learning outcomes across the district.

The Predictors of Learning supported Francisco Morato’s school district in multiple planning areas to improve learning outcomes. A major advancement after the initial diagnosis was the creation of a policy and the implementation of structured ongoing professional development for teachers.

Until 2017, the school district lacked a team of supervisors and pedagogical coordinators, which limited pedagogical monitoring and the updating of training practices. Through the partnership with Motriz, a teacher training policy was established, and guidelines were set to strengthen pedagogical monitoring practices across the entire school district.