Education
Why have annual national assessments?
This year’s Annual National Assessments (ANA), which are administered in literacy and numeracy to all learners in grades 1-6 and 9, have been postponed till December following opposition to their administration from teacher unions. How should we understand the value of these assessments, the reasons for the opposition from unions and how the assessments can be improved for the future?
Stephen Taylor
Opinion | 30 September 2015
Getting the facts right on assessments
To test or not to test? That is not the question although it is the way the current row about basic education has largely been presented.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 29 September 2015
How can South Africa redesign its annual national assessments?
South Africa’s major teacher unions and the Department of Basic Education agree: standardized testing can be a useful tool to measure the progress and gaps in a country’s education. But they don't agree on the current format of the tests.
Sibusiso Tshabalala
News | 29 September 2015
Minister wants meeting to break ANA deadlock
Minister of Education, Angie Motshegka, will meet on Friday with stakeholder groups in a bid to resolve the deadlock over the annual national assessment tests (ANAs), scheduled for December.
Sibusiso Tshabalala
News | 29 September 2015
‘One day, people will watch me dance’
“When I finish school, I want to be in a ballet skirt and do ballet for a big crowd,” says six-year-old Anathi Dakuse from Imizamo Yethu.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 23 September 2015
Corruption in schools: stealing our children’s future
On 30 September 2015, thousands will march in Pretoria and Cape Town under the banner of Unite Against Corruption. This is a call across our country to reject maladministration and theft in the public and private sectors.
Amanda Rinquest
Opinion | 22 September 2015
Dunoon schools: when lawyers go beyond the courtroom
The struggle to ensure access to schools for Dunoon learners illustrates the value of social justice lawyers engaging in work beyond the courtroom.
Sherylle Dass and Demichelle Petherbridge
Opinion | 15 September 2015
Parents claim victory in battle over Dunoon school
Dunoon parents and representatives of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) reached an agreement on Thursday after weeks of argument over the use of mobile classrooms next to the Sophakama Primary School.
Pharie Sefali
News | 28 August 2015
Maths lab for Masiphumelele students
Students at Ukanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele informal settlement are taking part in a Maths Lab initiative designed to boost their maths skills.
Bernard Chiguvare
News | 25 August 2015