Teacher Assessment Resources for Monitoring and Improving Instruction in the Foundation Phase TARMII_fp

The project aims to improve teacher assessment and instruction in the Foundation Phase, which includes grades R to 3. The project began in 2012 and is funded by USAID, ELMA Foundations, and JP Morgan. The project focuses on four provinces in South Africa: Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North-West. The project's main goal is to improve teacher assessment and instruction in the Foundation Phase, with a focus on literacy and numeracy. The TARMIIfp project involves the development and implementation of a teacher assessment system, which includes a software tool that allows teachers to assess student learning and track progress. The software is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even for teachers with limited computer skills. During the reporting period of April to June 2014, the project made significant progress. The learner baseline data collection was completed in Mpumalanga and the Free State, and the final installer URL was completed, which includes the webhosting facility to enable remote data collection on teachers' use of the software. The second version of the TARMIIfp software was installed on teacher laptops, and a recap training of teachers on the second version of the software was conducted in Mpumalanga and the North-West provinces. The project also held a Steering Committee meeting in the North-West province, where district officials and project staff planned the re-cap training session and the installation of the new version of the software. The meeting also discussed the possible time frame for the learner post-test, which was proposed to be in the first week of November 2014. The project staff also conducted school visits in the North-West province to provide support to project teachers on the use of the TARMIIfp system and to respond to teacher queries. The key issues raised during the visits were clarity on the functions of the different modules of the software, internet connectivity, and ownership of the laptop. The project also had a meeting with Dr. Patricia Watson from the office of the Director General (DG) of the Department of Basic Education, who agreed to help with the certification processes. The project staff also worked on the training evaluation format, the training manual, and other materials requested by the DG's Office. The project's next activities include the analysis of the learner baseline data, workshop training, school visits, and preparations for the learner post-test. The project aims to address the challenges faced by teachers, including the lack of time to use the laptops and the need for further training on the TARMIIfp software.