Initial crisis (2006)

In 2006, Ecuador ranked last in SERCE tests (460 pts in mathematics), only 48% of young people in secondary school, and teachers absent 14% of the time.

2007: “Quiero Ser Maestro” exam for hiring teachers only 20% passed.

2009: Mandatory teacher evaluations. Two bad grades resulted in dismissal.

2009: Prohibited the union (UNE) from interfering in hiring.

First reforms (2007-2009)

Conflict with teachers (2009-2011)

The UNE union responded with a 23-day strike in 2009. The government did not give in and eliminated the automatic payment of union dues.

In 2011, doubled teachers' salaries from  395 to 775 to reduce resistance.

Radical changes (2012-2015).

Structural reforms

2012: Closure of 23 low quality teacher training institutes.

2013: Creation of UNAE (university for elite teachers).

2015: Ecuador joined PISA to compare itself globally. 

Results (2013-2016)

In 2013, Ecuador was the country with the greatest progress in the TERCE test:

Mathematics: 513 pts (+53 vs. 2006).

Reading: 491 pts (+44).

Secondary enrollment: 85% (vs. 48% in 2006).

Political changes (2016-2017)

In 2016, the government legally dissolved the UNE union. But in 2017, with the new president Lenín Moreno, some policies were revised.

Left vs. Right

How do they differ?

What are left and right in politics?

The left believes more in equality and that the state should help people with services such as education and health. The right prefers that individuals and businesses have more freedom, with less state control.

Left vs. Right Differences:

State: the left wants it to intervene more, the right less.

Economy: The left seeks to spread the wealth, the right wants companies to grow.

Traditions: The left bets on changes, the right on preserving traditional values.”

Recent presidents

Rafael Correa (2007-2017): Left. He made strong reforms in education with teacher evaluations.

Lenín Moreno (2017-2021): Center. Softened some of Correa's policies.

Guillermo Lasso (2021-2023): Right. Gave more freedom to private schools.

Daniel Noboa (2023-current): Center-right. Seeks balance between state and market.