Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is embarking on a significant overhaul of the nation’s education system, a key component of her broader “Fourth Transformation” agenda. While continuing several initiatives from her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum is also signaling potential shifts, particularly regarding curriculum and access to higher education, with a comprehensive five-year national development plan expected in April .
The administration’s commitment to expanding access to higher education is evident in the continuation of scholarship programs like “Rita Cetina” for high school students and efforts to establish new universities, specifically aimed at underprivileged students. This builds on AMLO’s previous efforts, which reportedly lifted 21 million people out of poverty, with 8 million of those gains occurring during Sheinbaum’s tenure so far. However, this expansion is occurring alongside a continuation of the “New Mexican School” national curriculum, a policy that has drawn criticism from experts who question its lack of clear goals and implementation support.
Sheinbaum’s approach represents a delicate balancing act. She is maintaining core tenets of AMLO’s policies – prioritizing public welfare and social justice – while also introducing adjustments. A notable example is the reinstatement of early childhood care and education centers, programs that AMLO had suspended due to concerns about corruption. She is also scaling up day-long school programs, previously abandoned by her predecessor, recognizing their positive impact on student learning and achievement.
The administration’s focus on the “Fourth Transformation” – drawing inspiration from Mexico’s Mayan, Aztec, and Olmec civilizations – extends beyond education. Plans are underway for the development of fifteen industrial hubs, modeled after a Chinese approach, designed to integrate affordable public housing, transportation, and social amenities. These hubs are attracting international investment, positioning Mexico as a significant economic player in the Americas, trailing only Brazil, the US, and Canada.
A key area of potential change lies in the structure of the national baccalaureate system. Sheinbaum has indicated a desire to reduce the number of subjects taught at the high school level, responding to student feedback that the current workload – averaging eleven subjects with significant homework demands – is excessive. While acknowledging the need for expert input, she suggests that learning outcomes could be achieved with a more streamlined curriculum, allowing for increased recreational time and a more positive school environment.
The administration is also pursuing a strategy to expand access to the Bachillerato Nacional, a national high school program. This involves creating new schools, expanding existing facilities, and offering evening classes in secondary schools to utilize available space. A new initiative, dubbed “Ciberbachillerato Margarita Maza,” will incorporate technology and cultural activities. The goal is to create 150,000 new places in the national baccalaureate system by the end of .
Sheinbaum is moving towards eliminating entrance exams for the Bachillerato Nacional, initially in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, with plans to extend this policy nationwide. This aims to ensure broader access to higher education, removing a potential barrier for students.
The administration’s commitment to the “New Mexican School” curriculum remains firm, with Sheinbaum explicitly stating that the textbooks will not be modified. This decision comes after a recent personnel change within the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), where the director of educational materials was removed, sparking concerns about the future of the curriculum. Sheinbaum’s reassurance underscores the importance she places on continuing AMLO’s educational reforms.
Beyond curriculum, Sheinbaum intends to incorporate more information about women’s contributions to history into the basic education curriculum, furthering the administration’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity. This reflects a broader trend of re-evaluating historical narratives to include previously marginalized voices.
Sheinbaum’s approach to governing, characterized by precision and control in contrast to AMLO’s more populist style, is evident in her continued use of the daily “mañanera” press conference. While she speaks less frequently than her predecessor, these briefings provide key insights into her administration’s priorities and plans. The challenge for Sheinbaum will be navigating the demands from Washington D.C. – particularly in light of the recent inauguration of Donald Trump – while simultaneously upholding Mexico’s democratic principles and pursuing her ambitious domestic agenda.
