A review of two evaluations of the application of the READ primary schools program in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

This chapter reviews two projects of READ Education Trust, implemented in remote rural areas of Eastern Cape Province. One took place in 35 schools in the Transkei region, the other in 37 schools in Kei Komga, the former Ciskei homeland. The educational and socio-economic conditions in these areas are amongst the worst in South Africa. In both cases the complete READ program of whole-school teacher training, book provision and regular monitoring was implemented. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used to evaluate the programs. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess impact on pupils’ reading and writing, with testing before, during and after the project. In both studies strong significant impact was found, relative to control groups. Pupils in project schools achieved about two grades higher than those in control schools. Extensive qualitative data was collected at school and classroom level, and helped identify factors which contributed to the positive findings. Similar programs are now being introduced by READ into hundreds of schools throughout the Republic.