Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether her department has assessed the impact and success of the National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (NSMSTE); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply
The Department of Basic Education has not assessed the impact of the NSMSTE in all schools. However, the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the World Bank, through the Development Impact and Evaluation Initiative, conducted an impact evaluation of the Dinaledi School Project, as a component of the National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. The study covered the period 2005-2007. The results of the impact evaluation have reported the following:
- Enrolment and passing rates in Higher Grade (HG) physical sciences increased as a result of the programme.
- Dinaledi School Project increased the number of students passing the Senior Certificate examination in HG mathematics and physical science by 55% compared to control schools.
- The Dinaledi School Project was very effective in schools with the greatest need.
