Primary mathematics: Addressing the crisis

Abstract

From text: Primary mathematics in South Africa continues to be described as being in a state of crisis (Fleisch 2008). Performance on standardised assessments – in the Annual National Assessments (ANA), and other regional or international comparative tests – shows patterns of performance in which the majority of learners find it difficult to achieve even basic levels of competence. In recent years, policy attention has shifted back to the primary years, with the introduction of the Foundations for Learning (FFL) campaign in 2008, with its associated termly ‘milestones’ based curriculum, and the introduction of the ANAs linked to this curriculum specification.