NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 116

Mr S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1) Whether she intends to re-enter South Africa into the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (see M&G report); if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) Why was South Africa withdrawn from this study? NW128E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. South Africa will be participating in the TIMSS study in August 2011;

(2) South Africa was never withdrawn from this study. All that South Africa said was that time is needed after the results of every study to interact with the findings and implement the recommendations before we participate in the next study.

Participation in these studies is only a means of informing us on our strengths and areas for development. The real end is to ensure that every South African child receives basic education of high quality.

Issued by Parliament, May 11 2011

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