The Analysis of Mathematics Performance in the National High School Exam in Brazil

This study examines the performance disparity in Mathematics tests of the National High School Exam (ENEM) in Brazil in 2022. The ENEM, created in 1998 and restructured in 2009, not only assesses educational quality but also influences social standards and educational practices. Using microdata from candidates who completed high school in 2022 and participated without scoring zero in any section, the analysis includes 909,625 students from public and private schools across two geographical regions of Brazil. Statistical methods, including Cohen's distance, revealed that students from private schools consistently outperformed those from public schools across all regions. Additionally, male candidates tend to outperform females in Mathematics. The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate disparities based on school type and gender, highlighting the importance of equitable and high-quality educational policies in Brazil.