NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 40
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 /10/09
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER -2009)
Mr MJR de Villiers (DA-WC) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
1. What is the status of literacy and numeracy outcomes of learners in
the foundation phase,
2. whether the performance of learners is below the required performance
standards; if so, what are reasons for this;
3. whether any mechanisms are in place to address the issue, if not, why
not; if so, (a) what mechanisms and (b) how will the evaluation
process be done to monitor the progress of the performance of
learners? CW52E
REPLY:
The Honourable Mr. MJR de Villiers (DA-WC) asked exactly the same
question on 21 August 2009 and my response then, which remains, was as
follows:-
1. The latest systemic evaluation survey at the Foundation Phase
(grade 3 level) shows mean scores of 36% in literacy and 35% in
numeracy.
2. The performance is below the desired levels. The surveys indicate
some of the predictors of performance as whether a) the learner
learns in a language that they use at home most of the time; b)
there are adequate levels of learning and teaching resources in the
schools; c) learners receive appropriate learning support at home
and d) learners get engaged in meaningful interactions in the
learning environment.
3. The Department is addressing the unsatisfactory performance in
literacy through a) providing reading books in relevant languages;
b) directing schools to spend 30 minutes everyday on whole-school
reading to inculcate a culture of reading at early grades; c)
strengthening the support from subject advisors at district level,
d) assessing learners on a regular basis to monitor progress.
4. The Department will conduct a survey on a representative sample of
grade 3 learners in 2011 to assess the impact of the above
initiatives.
Compiler: MQ. Moloi (D:QSE)
Ext:X5454
DIRECTOR GENERAL
DATE:
QUESTION 40 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
MRS. A. MOTSHEKGA, MP
MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION
DATE: