Writing systemic tests is not a choice for SADTU to make

14 September 2016

SADTU’s call for schools to boycott the WCED annual systemic tests is yet another attempt at evading accountability of teachers, for which SADTU is notorious.

The Department has informed them time and time again of the benefits of these tests and why we conduct them.  They are not convinced, and they are entitled to their opinion.  They are not, however, entitled to interfere with the running of the Department.

In their statement of 12 September, there are a number of concerning comments.  Firstly they are of the view that “learners are over-tested”.  They are supposed to represent teachers, not learners.  And even if they are of the view that learners are over-tested, why are they choosing the systemic tests, which take place once a year, to boycott?

Secondly, they object to the amount of money that is spent on the tests, as well as that prizes are given to schools based on these tests.  They claim that the money should be spent on developing teachers rather.  The fact is that they are not mutually exclusive.  We do develop teachers, and these tests serve a useful purpose in identifying in which areas the teachers need developing.  As the Western Cape Government we strongly believe in incentives and accountability to drive improvement.  The systemic test awards acknowledge schools obtaining excellent results as well as those showing improvements.   What can possibly be wrong with that?  Healthy competition is conducive to improvement.

The amount of money spent on the tests and awards is small given their usefulness, and given the budget of the Department.  It will also make little difference to the basket of posts.

Other issues raised are that the teachers are “blamed” for the low scores of the learners, and that schools are “labelled.”  We accept that some schools have learners with different circumstances that can cause them to start from a lower base.  What we do not accept is that this excuses teachers from striving for improvement, which is precisely what the systemic tests measure.  If all teachers in a particular school achieve similar results, then we know that is a reflection of the abilities at the school.  If one or two achieve lower results than the rest, that is clearly a result of the teaching.  Who else, then, should we blame?

If entire schools in areas of similar socio-economic circumstances achieve vastly different results, it needs to be asked why.  If that amounts to “labelling”, so be it.  A child has one opportunity to be at school.  It must be the best experience possible.  We cannot worry about the sensitivities of unions about exposing bad teaching.

If we had to rely on the ANA’s, we would have no results on which to base our School and District Improvement Plans.  Unless the ANA’s are independently set and marked and internationally benchmarked, we will not replace our systemic tests.  

SADTU uses the word “deadlocked” regarding discussions of the systemic tests.  This term is used when negotiating issues around conditions on employment between the employer and the employee.  Systemic testing is not a condition of employment to be negotiated.  It is a requirement of the employer.

We sincerely trust that SADTU will come to their senses and not encourage their members to engage in unlawful action that will compromise our quest for a great education for all our learners in the Western Cape.  If SADTU’s actions result in any damage to property, we shall also take appropriate legal action to recover the costs.

Issued by Jessica Shelver, Spokesperson to Minister Debbie Schafer, 14 September 2016