Description of project:

In order to become globally competitive, South Africa must develop a highly skilled work force thoroughly grounded in maths and science. However, South African schoolchildren generally score poorly in international maths and science education surveys, even in comparison to other developing countries. In recent years, government and the private sector have launched a number of important initiatives in response to these concerns. However, a serious lack of reliable base-line data, coupled with inadequate monitoring and evaluation, makes it difficult to plan systematic and targeted interventions.

CDE initiated this project to address these issues and it has been developed through extensive discussions with experts and stakeholders in business, education, and government. The resulting research provides a solid basis for developing recommendations on policies and effective practical interventions by the public and private sectors to increase the number and quality of maths and physical science matriculants.

The Shuttleworth Foundation's involvement:

The Shuttleworth Foundation is co-funding the research, workshops, report writing, donor and stakeholder liason as well as the final publication of the research document.

Aims and objectives:

The aim of the project is to generate the most accurate and comprehensive data available on maths and physical science education in South Africa. The reports that will result from the research will provide:

- an analysis of matric data on maths and physical science
- a study relating this to existing information on schools
- an analysis of TIMSS-R data (link to http://nces.ed.gov/timss/results.asp
- a review of relevant international literature
- a series of qualitative interviews with educators, experts and officials
- a set of case studies on selected schools
- an inventory / data base of private sector initiatives in maths and science education
- A review of government initiatives to improve maths and science education
- An international review of educator (teacher) incentives

Updated Status (December 2003):

This much-awaited report has been tested at key stakeholders meetings held in various provinces. Feedback and comments are currently being incorporated to enhance the report which will be launched in 2004. The latest matric results will also be added so that the report remains relevant. Watch this space for future developments around the launch.

Updated Status (July 2003):

Unfortunately, the final draft of the report has been delayed and will only be tabled on the 15th of July. However, the publication of this report is imminent.

Status (May 2003):

The Shuttleworth Foundation has attended a presentation on the preliminary results and is suitably convinced that the research is going to be very beneficial, as it will assist all stakeholders, donors and the Department of Education to be informed and make informed decisions. The research will only be completed mid 2003.