Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier launched the #BackOnTrack programme, a big, bold intervention to reverse Covid-19 learning losses in the Western Cape, on Thursday 11 May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the pandemic is over now, but not all of its effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEarlier this year we released our 2022 systemic test results for Mathematics and Reading, which confirmed that during the pandemic learning outcomes fell off a cliff,\u201d Maynier said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe simply cannot say a child is receiving quality education if more than half of our Grade 3, 6, and 9 learners cannot achieve a basic pass score for mathematics and reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe department has to act, and we have to act decisively, and we have to act in a way that has impact in order to deal with what is a full-blown learning crisis.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister said a massive R1,2 billion has been invested in the province\u2019s #BackOnTrack programme over the next three years to improve learning outcomes so its children have a better future in the Western Cape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme marks a big change from \u201cbusiness as usual\u201d in schools, and 333 schools have been selected to receive targeted support based on the systemic test results, in addition to the 1 100 schools already receiving extra support in the Foundation Phase since 2022, the minister stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new schools selected will identify 126 000 learners, 8 980 teachers and 28 000 parents targeted for focused participation, in addition to the 310 000 learners and 10 000 teachers already participating in the Foundation Phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All school phases are covered, with all grades in the Foundation Phase, and Grade 4 in the Intermediate Phase, Grades 7 and 8 in the Senior Phase, and Grades 10 and 12 in the Further Education and Training Phase, targeted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All stakeholders in learning are being supported simultaneously, recognising that working together leads to improved learning outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re using a variety of teaching, learning and support methods, both in person and online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor example, we will be taking some of our Grade 4, 7 and 8 teachers out of class every 10 days, for targeted support. And our Grade 12s will participate in biweekly online afternoon sessions with expert presenters in a wide range of subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will be applying tried and tested methods in grades where they have not previously been used. For example, where Saturday classes were previously used for matrics in preparation for their exams, Grades 4, 7 and 8 will now have #BackOnTrack classes on Saturdays.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The #BackOnTrack programme complements and builds on existing programmes. The WCED is entrenching previously successful interventions that have been shown to work, including as proven eLearning platforms such as the Maths Curriculum Online programme in the Foundation Phase, while introducing new ways of teaching and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the allocation of extra time for mathematics and reading within the school day in the Foundation Phase, which was piloted in the Western Cape last year, has now been recommended across the country and will continue for learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme is designed to incorporate feedback and change over three years. \u201cWe have invited principals and teachers of the participating schools to let us know what works, what needs more work and how we can build the best possible interventions we can.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme will be closely monitored through the #BackOnTrack War Room, the first of which was held on Friday 12 May. Every two weeks officials from across the province will provide updates and feedback, and to work together to resolve challenges as the programme is implemented. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting this massive programme off the ground. 333 principals have already been briefed, and 2 554 teachers have already attended briefing and training sessions Maynier explains. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier launched the #BackOnTrack programme, a big, bold intervention to reverse Covid-19 learning losses in the Western Cape, on Thursday 11 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