This paper shows possible impacts on the environment of higher education institutions caused by the systematic assessment implemented by the Brazilian Federal Government from 1995 to 2002. Its reference is the results of a documental research that analyzed and studied the official statistic data from the Exame Nacional de Cursos (National Course Exam) and the points of view of the assessment board that authorizes and recognizes courses. Collected evidences indicate that: the modifications have not taken place homogeneously in public and private institutions; the power guiding assessment usually leads to a formal quality as opposed to real quality, and; this systematic evaluation, as it was designed, tends to empty its potential to motivate changes in these institutions.
Educational policy; Educational assessment; Higher education
