The results of PISA 2022 revealed concerning declines in educational performance in Brazil, especially in mathematics, reading, and science, raising questions about the causes, including the association with the COVID-19 pandemic. This scenario emphasizes the need to assess how states and municipalities have been meeting the goals of the National Education Plan (PNE) since 2014. The emphasis of PISA on reading proficiency highlights a significant challenge for Brazil, even while maintaining stable performance in mathematics. Students' perceptions of these results may vary, underscoring the complexity of attitudes toward education. Additionally, the analysis emphasizes the importance of reconsidering education policies, strengthening the PNE, and adopting integrated approaches to promote reading competencies across all disciplines.