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

The project focuses on the Gauteng and North-West provinces, with the goal of enhancing the quality of education in these regions. The project activities during the period of October to December 2016 involved the testing of modification TARMII 3.0 modules, preparatory activities for the review of assessment items, and piloting of data collection instruments in North-West and Gauteng schools. The software development team, consisting of Upfront Systems, HSRC, and DBE, utilized an online project management flow system known as BASECAMP 3 to facilitate regular communications and updates. The development and testing of TARMII 3.0 modules included the completion of several modification modules, such as the Topic Tree Platform, User Registration process, Item Bank Functionality, Item Word Forms, Word Upload Template, Video Bank, and PDF Bank. These modules were designed to enhance the functionality and usability of the TARMII 3.0 platform. Preparatory activities for the review of assessment items by the DBE involved meetings and constant communication between the HSRC and the DBE on the assessment item review process plan. The HSRC developed a manual to guide the review process and the Terms of Reference for the reviewers. The assessment item review process plan was agreed upon in five phases, with the first phase involving the discarding of not well-constructed English Grades 1, 2, and 3 assessment tasks/items. The project implementation in Gauteng and North-West provinces involved the submission of a letter of request to Dr Poliah to allow the HSRC to commence with advocacy meetings in the two provinces. The HSRC was informed that the letter should be addressed to the Director-General, and subsequently submitted three letters to the DBE. Data collection instruments were developed and piloted in seven Gauteng and North-West primary schools from 19-24 October 2016. The instruments were subsequently revised based on the comments of the participants. The project has achieved its milestones with regard to the completion of software modification modules, and the first sitting of the Steering Committee is critical to advance deliberations on the commencement of the review of assessment items and preparations for assessment training in the two provinces.