1. The main purpose of a baseline assessment is for a teacher to establish what learners already know (prior learning) and to use this information to inform the teaching process so that the different needs and abilities of learners are taken into consideration. It also provides a starting point from which to determine the progress of individual learners.
2. Baseline assessment usually takes place at the beginning of a grade or phase. In Grade 1 it is not used to determine whether a pre-school / Grade R learner is "ready" to enrol or not, but is conducted once learners have already been enrolled.
3. In 2006, as part of the Literacy and Numeracy strategy, the WCED introduced a provincial Baseline Assessment Programme for Grade 1 learners. This Programme assessed the learners against Grade R assessment standards over a period of 15 days, whilst orientating them to their new learning environment.
4. From 17 January 2007 until 6 February 2007, Grade 1 teachers should implement the same 15-day Baseline Assessment Programme with the following in mind:

  • Teachers may make adaptations to the Programme based on the needs of their learners.

  • Teachers may complete the Programme in less than 15 days, if all learners have been assessed.

  • During this time the focus of the programme must be on assessment and not on teaching and learning. The information gathered is to be used as a reference point for the future.

  • Teachers must not extend the Programme beyond 15 days.
5. In 2007 a service provider will conduct a survey of a random sample of schools to ascertain the strengths, challenges and impact of the Baseline Assessment Programme. Recommendations arising from this survey will be considered for implementation in 2008.
6. Schools requiring further assistance or information on Grade 1 baseline assessment in 2007 should contact their EMDC Foundation Phase Curriculum Advisers.
7. Principals and Foundation Phase Heads of Department are requested to bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all Grade 1 teachers before the end of the current school year so that learning programmes and work schedules can be adjusted to accommodate this process.


SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:11:14