Basic Education Department to host indaba on early grade reading research
The Department of Basic Education will host a two-day Early Grade Reading Research Indaba to address the reading challenges in the basic education sector. From 8-9 June, speakers and panelists from world-leading developmental, research and gov- ernment bodies will contribute insight and thrash out the issues in a bid to chart the way forward regarding reading outcomes in schools.
One of South Africa’s biggest developmental challenges is the number of children who cannot read for meaning in the early grades. These children fail to thrive in the foun- dation phase and beyond, with far-reaching consequences for the country as a whole.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has risen to this challenge with the Early Grade Reading Study (EGRS) programme, a series of impact-driven randomised trials conducted in partnership with various developmental and academic institutions.
Since 2012, EGRS has generated a wealth of evidence into how best to implement early grade reading support solutions in South African schools. Specifically, an on-site model of paper-based lesson plans and regular in-person coaching visits has deliv- ered robust evidence of sustained impacts on reading outcomes. The challenge is how to implement the model cost-effectively at scale. To address this question, the second Early Grade Reading Study (EGRS 2) was conducted in Mpumalanga from 2017- 2020. Interventions aimed to improve learning in English as a First Additional Lan- guage (EFAL) in grades 1 to 3. The on-site model was compared to an alternative model using electronic tablets preloaded lesson plans, audio and video clips and a specialised “virtual coach”.
The outcomes confirmed the sustainable impact of on-site coaching but found that virtual coaching had little discernible impact: A cost-effective alternative to on-site coaching has yet to be found. All early grade reading stakeholders – from government, developmental and academic role-players to the parents, teachers and learners on the ground – are invited to join the Indaba’s live stream.
The Early Grade Reading Research Indaba
Can alternative ways of providing professional support to teachers create the same kind of change in teaching practice and learning outcomes as coaching, but at a lower financial cost?
Is it more sustainable and effective to intervene in the home language or EFAL? How should parents be involved? What is the optimal use of technology? Where do donors and partners fit in? These are the big questions posed by EGRS 2, answers to which the DBE’s forthcoming Early Grade Reading Research Indaba will seek to find
High-impact speakers and topics
Session One of the Indaba opens with a key-note address by Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, followed by high-level reflections and inter- national experience on “The Importance of Evidence Building” from Muriel Mafico, UNICEF’s Representative in South Africa, Andy Karas, USAID’s Southern Africa Mis- sion Director, and David Evans, senior fellow at the Centre for Global Development.
Prof Brahm Fleisch, Professor of Education Policy and Head of the Division of Educa- tion Leadership, Policy and Skills at the Wits School of Education, weighs in on early grade reading in research and practice.
In Session Two, Stephen Taylor, DBE Director of Research, Monitoring and Evalua- tion, presents key EGRS findings, and Dr Fatima Adam, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Zenex Foundation, chairs a panel on the international experience of early grade reading.
Session Three delves into EGRS findings in detail, as the DBE’s Carol Nuga Deliwe, Nompumelelo Mohohlwane and Lesang Sebaeng as well as other participants ad- dress the specifics of pedagogy and classroom materials and debate the emotive topic of home language versus English.
Session Four focuses on “Technology and Learning Loss”, with input from the DBE’s Prof Martin Gustafsson and Kholosa Nonkenge, Young Impact’s Dr Noam Angrist and The Learning Trust’s Sibongile Khumalo.
Session Five concludes the Indaba with a “Reflection on Donor Collaboration and Partnership” with Zenex Foundation CEO Gail Campbell, UNICEF SA Education Man- ager Dr Andile Dube, and USAID Education and Youth Team Leader Dr Felicia Wil- son-Young.
Members of the Media are invited to Join in the Indaba as follows:
Date: Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th June 2022
Venue: Kievits Kroon Country Estate, 41 Reier Rd, Kameeldrift-East, Pretoria, 0035
Time: 09:00
Virtual Link: YouTube Livestreaming: DBE channel
Indaba by name, indaba by nature! At the end of every session, the (virtual) floor opens for discussion. Be sure to join the live stream and catch the conversation.
The indaba will be available on the DBE Youtube channel and other platforms such as Facebook.