SADTU Western Cape calls for a boycott of systemic evaluation testing.

12 September 2016

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union at its Provincial Conference held in June 2014, resolved to call for the discontinuing of the systemic evaluation test, which is only written in the Western Cape.

We must put on record that we have since called upon the WCED to stop systemic evaluation in this province on numerous occasions. We have been in discussion with the WCED for 2 years and have reached a deadlock on the matter.

SADTU is of the view that South African learners are over tested. The reality is that there is no real opportunity to analyse the data obtained from the test so that interventions which may improve the mathematics, numeracy and literacy levels of learners in their particular grades or age cohorts, are implemented. Annually, tests are conducted and the Union has seen no significant changes due to the fact that intervention programmes are either not implemented, or the time allocated for these programmes is not sufficient.

We have analysed the environment and resolved to call on the WCED to abandon systemic evaluation and to work on reviewing ANA. We are of the view that it is not the tests that improve the system but the remedial work based on the data obtained from this standardized test.

The WCED has conducted systemic evaluation for approximately ten years and should have the data from 2004 - 2014. What strategic programmes were developed to address these under achievements in numeracy and literacy? SADTU is saying use this data to improve the system, instead of spending the money on the test and prizes, develop the teachers and provide resources to improve in areas where learners are having a challenge academically.

There should have been long- term strategies to yield results. The systemic test is written in October, and results received in February of the next year. How is the numeracy and literacy ability of those learners improved as the learner has already progressed to the next grade? The learners who wrote the test may have already progressed to the next grade and now have another teacher. Should the intervention programmes not be implemented, reinforced and consolidated before the system is tested again? We want to repeat; it is not the test that improves the system but the inventions implemented after the data was collected.

SADTU is not convinced that an annual systemic evaluation is yielding the change needed.

The common critique of the test articulated by teachers is as follows:

1. the duration of the test;

2. validity in terms of language;

3. no developmental aspect of the test and;

4. The many learners on intervention programmes whom we administer the test to. At present teachers are responsible for their own intervention programmes and many have no idea where the shortfalls are.

In the Provincial Education Labour Relations Council held on 30 September 2015, we raised the matter of systemic evaluation and the discontinuing of these tests, which is designed by Pearson PLC and implemented by the University of Cape Town. We have agreed in the chamber to engage on systemic evaluation.

Further critiques raised by teachers in relation to these test are:

1. Teachers are blamed for the low scores learners obtain, leading to low teacher moral.

2. The test is supposed to examine the system, but in turn schools are labelled.

3. Test scores were used to identifying schools earmarked for closure.

4. The test results are used as a competition, with money rewards given for results.

5. Little or no intervention programmes are designed for teachers to improve the systemic challenges.

6. The duration of the test is not appropriate for the age cohort.

7. The anonymity of the test in relation to language appropriateness, content relevance, curriculum synergy are questions teachers are concerned about

8. The WCED spends 36 million on systemic evaluation in a financial year, whilst the post basket is stagnant.

Some others factors:

- Teachers have to release their learners to the outsiders to write these tests.

- We are not sure if Pearson is still a service provider.

- If so, this is the company which is instrumental in the fostering of

privatisation of education in the world, as per the EI report, is seen as a major challenge. The allegation against Pearson include, spying on learners, by monitoring their social media accounts to check whether they are sharing the standardized test amongst friends on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. The same company, Pearson is running profit making private schools in Africa where parents are paying up to 40% of their income to give learners education. The World congress of Education International, rejected Person’s involvement in public education, SADTU rejects it too.

On Racism in schools

SADTU Western Cape rejects all forms of discrimination in schools. We call for the Western Cape Education Department to investigate all discriminatory polices in all schools and implement corrective measures urgently. The union condemns the destruction of school buildings and individual person property during protest action. We respect the right to protest, but damaging property undermines the legitimate fight for justice and inclusion. The union will meet with all relevant stakeholders to address this matter.

Issued by Jonavon Rustin, Provincial Secretary, SADTU Western Cape, 12 September 2016