This will ensure that that the strategy is no longer an “add on” reliant on outside support, but forms part of the core approach to literacy and numeracy teaching in around 982 primary schools, classified as underperforming and, therefore, in need of specific support interventions by the department.
The primary numeracy and literacy strategy’s central pillars include:
* Ensuring that participating schools are well resourced with textbooks and lesson plans.
* On-going teacher development through targeted training, coaching and support by the GDE.
* Training for parents, so that they can support the school’s and their children’s efforts.
* Afternoon homework sessions to ensure that children get help and a framework for their own study, as required.
In the new year the GDE will begin the planned implementation of the strategy’s next phase.
As a result, the umbrella contract with 13 external providers, until now responsible for providing support to the designated schools, ends at the end of this year.
As increasing numbers of schools become able to implement the strategy under their own steam and with the on-going guidance and support of the GDE, the requirement for external support is expected to shrink even further.
This has always been part of the strategy, has been known to all participants since inception, and allows the GDE to ensure continuity and on-going improvement within current budgetary constraints.
As planned, the reduction over time in the requirement for external support is a clear indication that the strategy is working and becoming part of the core approach to literacy and numeracy teaching in Gauteng.
