The SACMEQ IV Project in South Africa: a study of the conditions of schooling and the quality of education

The SACMEQ IV survey was conducted in August 2013 in a representative sample of schools (n=298) and learners (n=7 117) across all nine provinces of South Africa. The survey involved testing of Grade 6 learners and their teachers in Reading and Mathematics and the collection of contextual data, through administration of specially-designed self-completed questionnaires, on the conditions that might influence teaching and learning in schools. In the SACMEQ IV project, South Africa chose as part of the national options to test the Tuberculosis (TB) knowledge levels of Grade 6 learners and their teachers in addition to the HIV and AIDS knowledge test (HAKT). The report presents information that responds to specific policy concerns that were identified as of interest to SACMEQ Ministries of Education. Appropriate recommendations for improvement are presented with projected timeframes and estimated costs.