The truth of the facts and what no one wants to debate: education for the poor (of spirit)

António Carlos Cortez argues that Portugal's secondary education system is failing to prepare students for university, a reality he believes is obvious but difficult to confront. He contends that the focus on exams overlooks a more fundamental issue: the inadequate equipping of students with the skills needed for higher education.

The author criticizes the prevailing debate, which he suggests centers on examination formats rather than the core purpose of education. He implies that this narrow focus distracts from a more pressing concern about the quality and relevance of the curriculum being taught.

Cortez frames this educational deficiency as a particular disservice to "the poor (of spirit)," suggesting that those with fewer resources are disproportionately affected by an education system that does not foster critical thinking or provide a robust foundation for future academic pursuits. He calls for a broader discussion that addresses these deeper systemic issues.