1. During October and November 2008 the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will again conduct research into the literacy and numeracy levels of all Grade 3 learners in the province. This will be the fourth round of testing since 2002.
2. Principals should note that these tests are WCED Assessment Tests and are NOT the Systemic Evaluation tests of the national Department of Education.
3. The intention of the Grade 3 Assessment is to measure the performance and to track the progress made by learners towards achievement in literacy and numeracy. This assessment also has a remedial function and will assist the WCED in planning support and development in schools.
4. The Grade 3 Assessment test will be based on the standards set out in the WCED Benchmarks for Literacy and Numeracy and the National Curriculum Statement (NCS).
5. Preparations have begun and, in due course, all schools with Grade 3 learners will be informed about the procedure and other administrative details.
6. As with the previous assessment in 2006, the entire cohort of Grade 3 learners will be tested in 2008.
7. Schools are requested to regularly update their Grade 3 learner details on CEMIS. The Grade 3 Assessment Learner Register will be placed on CEMIS for schools to complete and print two days before the day of testing. The Assessment Learner Register will be available at the start of the Third Term. For easy reference, the learners in the Assessment Learner Register will be placed alphabetically in classes. (The CEMIS administrator must print the Assessment Learner Register for the Grade 3 class teachers to carefully check, complete and correct any errors in the columns. Note: The relevant Grade 3 class teacher must complete the appropriate columns. Once completed, the CEMIS administrator must capture and save the information received from the Grade 3 class teachers on CEMIS in the Grade 3 Learner Register.)
8. The Principal Questionnaire and Teacher Questionnaire for all Foundation Phase teachers will also be placed on CEMIS to be completed and printed two days before the day of testing and handed to the Test Administrator. This will be available from the beginning of the Fourth Term.
9. The contents of this minute must be brought to the attention of all concerned, especially Grade 3 teachers.
10. Any enquiries regarding the contents of this minute should be directed to Dr RS Cornelissen at telephone 021 467 2286 or e-mailed to rcornelissen@pgwc.gov.za.
11. Schools are again reminded that their Grade 6 Assessment Results for 2007 have been placed on CEMIS under "REPORTS".

Your co-operation will be appreciated.



SIGNED: A. SIYENGO
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:06:19