Back on Track programme
Submitted by
Stellenbosch University.
Summary of the impact:
Research by Professor Servaas van der Berg and his research group, RESEP, into learning losses during the Covid-19 pandemic catalysed the inception of the Back on Track programme by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in 2023. With a focus on learners affected by school closures and innovative teaching strategies for educators, this R1.2 billion initiative demonstrates the direct impact of the research.
Initial results from the programme indicate significant gains in learning outcomes, with interventions showing progress of more than half a year in some cases. This underscores the impact of RESEP’s research and the effectiveness of the intervention based on it to address educational setbacks caused by the pandemic.