Assessment of the language and mathematics skills of grade 8 learners in the Western Cape in 2006

Abstract

The purpose of this study and service was to develop instruments to assess the language and mathematics skills in English and Afrikaans of approximately 75 000 Grade 8 learners in all schools from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) during 2006, and to analyse and report on the results of the tests. This was in order for the WCED to benchmark learners, prioritise learners with potential and develop and support learning and teaching processes.

The instruments were to be closely articulated with the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) at Grade 8 level. The development and provision of instruments were to measure learner performance in mathematics and language at Grade 8 level as required in terms of Learning Outcomes and Assessment Standards as these are specified in the NCS (DoE 2002).

The WCED further required instruments which were able to benchmark student performance in relation to students in other countries (international benchmarking in terms of developing and developed countries). The Service Provider had to report on performance at provincial, Education Management Development Centre (EMDC), school and individual learner level.