The Brazilian formal educational system operates at federal, state and county levels. The federal Ministry of Education and Culture provides financial and technical assistance to the states, which have primary responsibility for administering the schools with the exception of federal and private institutions. Of particular interest are thesupletivo schools designed to provide for those who have dropped out of school. The State Secretariats are in various stages of decentralizing their administrative structures and are passing responsibilities down to the county level where possible. Brazil possesses an extensive system of informal education. A number of organizations e.g. SENAC and SENAI, supported by private rather than government funds, are actively providing educational opportunities for adults. In addition, specialized private schools have been established in metropolitan areas. While many opportunities for attaining an education exist at private specialized schools and privatesupletivo schools, the expense of the programs is carried by the students, not by the government. Major problems faced by Brazilian administrators include poorly qualified teachers, inadequate physical facilities and a high student dropout rate. There is a need for a clear statement of national goals in education.