The duration of students' school attendance is a topic of discussion across all educational systems worldwide.

A group of ministers from the Latin American region convened in Espiritu Santo, Brazil, to explore further improvements in full-time schools.

An additional hour of class can represent a significant step. However, isolated measures may diminish their impact. In this context, the primary challenge lies in translating increased school hours into enhanced learning outcomes.

What other measures can accompany the extension of class time? How can the quality of this additional time be improved? What is the appropriate method for assessing impact?

In an attempt to address and deepen an expanding methodology, ministers and secretaries of education from different parts of Latin America gathered at the second Technical Meeting of Specialization of the Araucaria Community in Espírito Santo, Brazil. 

These meetings are part of the "experiences in focus" series, where different members of the Araucaria Community convene to learn and discuss successful educational experiences in detail. The Araucaria network comprises over 30 ministers from eight Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and Peru.

Full-time schools (FTS) offer a nine-hour school day and a curriculum that integrates standard subjects with activities aimed at providing a comprehensive education encompassing students' academic, social, and emotional development. During this period, teachers are exclusively committed, and students can select elective courses from the curriculum.

FTSs employ the pedagogy of presence by supporting students across all dimensions: all students have a tutor who accompanies, guides, and encourages them to give their best. Additionally, tutors collaborate with families and the rest of the teaching team. FTSs prioritise the life paths of young people at the heart of the educational project. 

Representatives from Argentina included ministers Horacio Ferreyra from the province of Córdoba, Mercedes Miguel from the City of Buenos Aires, Pablo Lopez Silva from Tierra del Fuego, Práxedes Ytatí López from Corrientes and Silvia Sara Fuentes from San Juan, along with ministers from Brazil and Mexico. 

"The aim was to facilitate a space for dialogue and exchange on the development of full-time policies, literacy and their impact on the education system," said Brazilian district secretary Vitor de Angelo.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Renato Casagrande, welcomed the group at the Palacio Anchieta, in Vitória, yesterday. Ministers and experts from the Araucaria Community visited full-time schools and teacher units of the Full-Time State Education Network.

Agustín Porres, regional director of the Varkey Foundation and founder of the Araucaria Community, emphasised, "Throughout the region, numerous successful initiatives are underway that can inspire neighbouring states to embark on new initiatives. Full-time schools, in particular, offer an innovative approach to enriching students' learning experiences and shaping their life trajectories."