The Annual National Assessments (ANA) revealed an improvement in learner performance with regard to Literacy and Numeracy. This was inferred from the 2012 ANA results released by the Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, at Ipontshe Primary School, in Tembisa, on 3 December 2012.
Basic Education Director-General, Mr Bobby Soobrayan, Gauteng Department of Education MEC, Mrs Barbara Creecy, teacher unions, Department of Basic Education (DBE) officials and dignitaries from other departments, graced the occasion.
The results indicate that learner performance in the Foundation Phase (Grade 1, 2 and 3) are pleasing.
As compared to the 35% in 2011, the average learner performance in Literacy stands at Grade 3 stands at 52%, registering an improvement of 17% from 2011. Meanwhile, the learner’s performance in Grade 3 Numeracy stands at 41% as compared to 28% in 2011. In Grade 6 the national average performance in Language is 43% (Home Language) and 36% (First Additional Language) as compared to 28% in 2011. “This is an improvement of 15% (Home Language), putting us on track with our 60% target of 2014,” said Minister Motshekga.
Speaking during the 2012 ANA release, the MEC, Barbara Creecy said that the Annual National Assessments was not only about the results, but also to provide guidance for all who are involved in improving the quality education to provide the necessary support where needed.
The Minister stressed that improving the quality of education is perhaps the most important development task confronting South Africa. “High-quality education, equally distributed, is one of the most effective and least conflictive ways of transforming a society. Remarkable advances have been made in access and equity in the schooling system since the 1994 democratic breakthrough. Net improvement rates have improved. Funding per learner has increased. The schooling system is more equitable”, she said.
Minister Motshekga also acknowledged that the implementation of ANA in the schooling system is a step in the right direction. The minister said that the ANA results will assist the Department as well as those who have a direct impact in SA education with information, so that their interventions are concentrated on the challenges which prevail within the system.
“While assessment by itself cannot improve learning, it provides important evidence to inform planning and development of appropriate interventions for improvement at all levels, from national through provinces and districts to individual schools,” added Minister Motshekga.
ANA results play a crucial role in helping teachers to find an effective mechanism to advance their teaching techniques, so that ultimately, all learners comprehend what they are being taught in class. The learners’ ability to read, write and count, remain the paramount cornerstone in the classroom business.
“Following the release of the ANA results in June 2011, a national strategy to improve Literacy and Numeracy achievement in all schools was implemented. The Strategy assisted in ensuring that the quality of education is improved dramatically. It did this by strengthening the capacity of teachers to deliver the Literacy and Numeracy curriculum in particular. For all Managers in the sector(principals, district, provincial and DBE officials), this strategy helped in providing relevant and adequate support to both teachers and learners”, remarked the Minister.
Minister Motshekga stated that the department will soon launch education partnerships, which will join forces in improving quality of education in the country. The Minister indicated that the initiatives will be strengthened through a clear and structured partnership with SGBs, education NGOs, international donors, education research institutions, business supporting education and other partners.
“In a nutshell, 2012 has been a very dramatic year showing that progress in education can be achieved through deliberate and purposeful action, encouraging us to consolidate our advances as we celebrate our achievements.”
“I would like to thank all MECs and HODs for their efforts. ANA 2012 would not have been possible without hard work on the part of provincial and district officials,” the Minister concluded.
