This weekend, the Western Cape Education Department launched the Western Cape Reading Strategy.
This strategy has been carefully developed following months of consultations with key interest groups in education. The strategy aims to ensure that every child can read by the age of 10 years old.
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 Grade 4 results reveal that that South Africa faces many challenges when developing reading literacy at Grade 4 level.
Nationally, 78% of learners cannot read for meaning by the age of 10.
Although the Western Cape Province performed the best nationally, the data shows that 55% of learners cannot read for meaning by the age of 10.
While the WCED has improved its reading levels over the years and is driving various interventions through its language policy, this new strategy hopes to elevate reading as a priority.
The strategy has six key pillars which will be driven in collaboration with carious roleplayers across the province.
The pillars include the following:
The strategy was launched by the WCED in collaboration with the “Coalition for Quality Education in the Western Cape.” The coalition is a collaborative association for all education stakeholders (including government, private business, NPO's, civil society and funders).
Head of Department, Brian Schreuder said, “We have done good work in developing reading for meaning over the last few years, but this renewed Strategy has two key focus areas:
I’m really excited about the total buy-in from all roleplayers and am confident that we will, if we sustain this strategy for the next five years, dramatically improve reading levels in the Western Cape.”
Details on a new reading campaign that will advocate the six pillars of the reading strategy will be announced soon.
For comment from the coalition, please contact: Lorraine Hadfield 076 306 9191
Please see attached summary document of the Reading Strategy.
Please whatsapp me for a soundbite: 072 7241422
Bronagh Hammond
Director: Communications
Western Cape Education Department
072 7241422 (please whatsapp or sms me if unavailable)
Bronagh.hammond@westerncape.gov.za