Transforming Learning: The Impact of the 2023 Back-on-Track Programme
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) 2023 Back-on-Track (BoT) initiative is proving to be a groundbreaking step towards educational recovery. This R1.2 billion programme has targeted critical learning gaps in mathematics and language, focusing on Grades 4, 7, and 8. The results, independently evaluated by RESEP, reveal remarkable gains in learning outcomes.
Key findings include:
- Learners in isiXhosa and Afrikaans Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) schools achieved up to a year’s worth of progress in just nine intervention sessions.
- Grade 7 Mathematics interventions led to unprecedented gains of 205 school days for isiXhosa LOLT learners.
- Teacher-focused interventions significantly boosted performance, particularly in English LOLT schools.
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining intensive learner and teacher interventions. However, low participation rates and data limitations highlight areas for improvement in scaling and optimising the programme.
The BoT initiative underscores the resilience and potential of South Africa’s education system. With continued innovation and investment, it offers a blueprint for addressing long-term learning deficits and fostering academic excellence.
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