THE CHALLENGE OF TURNAROUND FOR SCHOOL SYSTEMS MOSS NKONYANE: CHIEF DIRECTOR, GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 27 JULY

CONSENSUS The nation is in agreement that our schooling system is failing. This is despite the fact that we argue for different reasons and from different perspectives. The conclusion is based on National and International studies covering Grade 3; 6 and 9 learners. The statistics are known to you and there is no point repeating them. 2

HOPE The government’s decision to consider education a national priority is a bold step which points to the right direction. Action plan 2014 and education vision 2025 including the National Commission report are examples of positive action. The increase of the education budget at national and provincial levels is welcome. 3

Continue Education departments; Districts; NGOs as well as other stakeholders have developed an unprecedented interest in turnaround strategies. 4

CHALLENGE The turnaround strategies are fragmented. There are no criteria to balance teaching and testing with the result that there is more emphasis on testing. There is no scientific evidence that is based on research to show the effectiveness of the strategies. 5

CONT… Some of the partners are there for making quick money and they leave schools more troubled than ever before. There is obsession with short-term strategies as a result of changes in political leadership. 6

DEFINING TURNAROUND “Turnaround is a dramatic and comprehensive intervention in a low-performing school that: (a) produces significant gains in achievement within two years; and (b) readies the school for the longer process of transformation into a high-performance organization.” ( Foundation Strategy Group: 2010) It is debatable. 7

PARTICIPANTS Department develops policies and provides resources. Districts implement and introduce innovation. NGOs and CBOs give support. Unions play a catalytic role and facilitate buy- in. 8

DON’TS Dialogue must never be suppressed more especially at conception. Turnaround strategy must not be a compliance matter only. THANK YOU 9