TO: | CHIEF DIRECTORS, DIRECTORS (HEAD OFFICE AND EMDCs), CHIEF EDUCATION SPECIALISTS, CHIEF CURRICULUM ADVISERS, SENIOR CIRCUIT MANAGERS, SENIOR CURRICULUM PLANNERS, CIRCUIT MANAGERS, CURRICULUM ADVISERS, ASSESSMENT CO-ORDINATORS AND HEADS OF ALL INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION |
| GRADE 6 LANGUAGES AND MATHEMATICS TEST ITEMS |
| 1. |
The WCED Literacy and Numeracy Strategy is a response to the identification of generally low levels of literacy and numeracy. In terms of this strategy, the WCED has undertaken a number of intervention actions, including the assessment of Grade 6 learners every alternate year to determine the levels of literacy and numeracy in the province, in an EMDC and in all schools. The analysis of the achievement of learners in a school is intended to give teachers and support staff an understanding of how the learners in each school are developing their literacy and numeracy skills, and to provide appropriate support.
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| 2. |
The first two Grade 6 assessment tests were conducted in 2003 and 2005. Exactly the same items were utilised in both tests in order to establish the standard and to be able to make valid comparisons of results. The database of questions has now been expanded by an item bank, thereby providing additional items of exactly the same standard. This has enabled the WCED to release a number of the items (see attached), to give teachers an idea of the type, content and format of the questions that are included in the provincial assessment test. In the Mathematics examples, similar items have been selected ranging from Grade 4 to Grade 7. In the Language examples, the different tasks target different grades, thus illustrating progression.
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| 3. |
The items will also be available on the WCED website: http://curriculum.pgwc.gov.za on the Mathematics GET website and Languages GET website respectively.
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| 4. |
The intention of releasing these items is NOT that teachers should teach to the test items through de-contextualised, drill-type exercises. They are intended to show teachers that the tests assess the learning outcomes of the National Curriculum Statement and that by engaging thoroughly with the knowledge, skills and values across the entire curriculum, within a meaning-centred context, teachers will prepare their learners adequately for the next round of testing.
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| 5. |
Institutions and organisations outside of the WCED may use the material provided if it is not for gain and the source is clearly acknowledged.
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| 6. |
Feedback from any user is invited and appreciated, and may be directed to the Chief Curriculum Adviser at the EMDCs or to the Director: Curriculum Development.
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| 7. |
The WCED wishes to thank those schools and teachers who use this resource material for critical curriculum engagement and development. Please contact your EMDC Intermediate Phase curriculum adviser for further guidance and support.
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SIGNED: M.J. CAMERON
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:07:17
Grand Central Towers, Lower Parliament Street, Private Bag X9114, Cape Town 8000
Please quote reference numbers in all correspondence
SAFE SCHOOLS: 0800 45 46 47
CLIENT CALL CENTRE: 0861 92 33 22
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