Special interventions in the teaching of reading and writing by the Western Cape education department (WCED) have led to a visible improvement in the literacy skills of grade three learners, but numeracy skills still lag behind.
This is according to the WCED’s latest test results of the literacy and numeracy levels of grade three learners.
The department has conducted extensive testing into literacy and numeracy performance in the province since 2002, and has been using the results to formulate programmes to improve learner performance in these critical foundational areas.
Test results for 2008 show that the literacy levels amongst grade three learners jumped to 53.5% from 47,7% in 2007. This is also a marked improvement on the literacy rate of 35.7% registered in 2002 when testing was first started. The literacy tests cover English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.
“Progress to date in literacy compares favourably with literacy programmes anywhere in the world, but we have to ensure further improvement”, says Western Cape education MEC Yusuf Gabru.
“We are more concerned about numeracy. While numeracy results have improved slightly since 2006, we have a long way to go before we can feel satisfied with our results.”
The pass rate for numeracy has fluctuated from 37.1% in 2002, to 37.31% in 2004 , 31% in 2007 and 35% in 2008.
To remedy this decline, the WCED has now devised an intervention strategy that includes diagnostic tests, classroom support, special teaching and support materials and family learning activities.
A team of more than 100 specialists has also been established to work full time with schools to support them in their improvement efforts.
“The literacy and numeracy strategy forms part of a long term plan of the WCED to turn education around in the province by building strong foundations for learning in literacy and numeracy in primary schools,” said Gabru.