aiqbench analysis
This study applies multi-level machine learning and Explainable AI to Brazilian education data, demonstrating that systemic socioeconomic factors outweigh individual traits in predicting student performance. By utilizing Random Forest models with 96.7% AUC accuracy, the research offers an interpretable framework for policymakers aiming to address educational equity through targeted interventions on school ecosystems rather than isolated metrics.
A Multi-level Analysis of Factors Associated with Student Performance: A Machine Learning Approach to the SAEB Microdata
arXiv:2510.22266v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Identifying the factors that influence student performance in basic education is a central challenge for formulating effective public policies in Brazil. This study introduces a multi-level machine learning approach to classify the proficiency of 9th-grade and high school students using microdata from the System of Assessment of Basic Education (SAEB). Our model uniquely integrates four data sources: student socioeconomic characteristics, teacher professional profiles, school indicators, and principal management profiles. A comparative analysis of four ensemble algorithms confirmed the superiority of a Random Forest model, which achieved 90.2% accuracy and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 96.7%. To move beyond prediction, we applied Explainable AI (XAI) using SHAP, which revealed that the school's average socioeconomic level is the most dominant predictor, demonstrating that systemic factors have a greater impact than individual characteristics in isolation. The primary conclusion is that academic performance is a systemic phenomenon deeply tied to the school's ecosystem. This study provides a data-driven, interpretable tool to inform policies aimed at promoting educational equity by addressing disparities between schools.
Abstract:Identifying the factors that influence student performance in basic education is a central challenge for formulating effective public policies in Brazil. This study introduces a multi-level machine learning approach to classify the proficiency of 9th-grade and high school students using microdata from the System of Assessment of Basic Education (SAEB). Our model uniquely integrates four data sources: student socioeconomic characteristics, teacher professional profiles, school indicators, and principal management profiles. A comparative analysis of four ensemble algorithms confirmed the superiority of a Random Forest model, which achieved 90.2% accuracy and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 96.7%. To move beyond prediction, we applied Explainable AI (XAI) using SHAP, which revealed that the school's average socioeconomic level is the most dominant predictor, demonstrating that systemic factors have a greater impact than individual characteristics in isolation. The primary conclusion is that academic performance is a systemic phenomenon deeply tied to the school's ecosystem. This study provides a data-driven, interpretable tool to inform policies aimed at promoting educational equity by addressing disparities between schools.
This article has been published in Discover Education (Springer Nature). The final authenticated version is available at:this https URL
Machine Learning (cs.LG); Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI); Computers and Society (cs.CY)
arXiv:2510.22266 [cs.LG]
(or arXiv:2510.22266v3 [cs.LG] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-026-01699-0 DOI(s) linking to related resources
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 214 words
Related coverage
Equilibrium thermometry in the multilevel quantum Rabi model
arXiv · Jun 5, 2026
Pontryagin's Principle for Leakage-Immune Adiabatic Quantum State Transfer
arXiv · Aug 19, 2026
Algebraic Multigrid Acceleration for Efficient Label Spreading
arXiv · Aug 28, 2026
Hierarchical Multilevel Monte Carlo for Order-Optimal Neural Actor-Critic in Average-Reward CMDPs
arXiv · Jul 31, 2026