Report of panel of Maths experts

Report of the Ministerial Panel established to review the Grade 12 NSC Mathematics Examination Papers of Nov '08

Introduction

The Minister of Education, Ms Naledi Pandor, announced at a meeting of the Committee of Education Ministers on 12 Jan '09 that a panel of mathematics experts would be constituted to provide advice on the standard of the Senior Certificate Mathematics examination papers of November 2008.

This request arose after criticism of the standard of the mathematics examination papers by two different groups. The first was from a group called the Concerned Mathematics Educators (CME) who released a press statement on 5 Jan '09 claiming that the November examination papers were "watered down" and that the "standard of the Mathematics exam for 2008 had dropped to an unacceptable level".
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CME's Response
Maths papers were indeed
watered down !
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Who are we?

We are a network of concerned and dedicated mathematics educators (see Endorsements page) teaching in schools and institutions throughout South Africa. Our stance as educators is one of proactive and progressive participation. We are all dedicated and committed to improving mathematics education in our country.

Our Objectives

To improve the standard of maths education and make maths more accessible to ALL South African learners.

We have established a network where we as professionals, can debate issues that affect us and the learners we teach; exchange ideas and resources; and become an effective pressure group for change - in this we have also established a dedicated mathematics website to achieve this goal.

How can you get involved ?

We would like you to examine the following articles:

' Skewed Maths exams favour top learners and handicap the below-average '
and
' The proposed format for compulsory Maths Paper 3 '

and should you agree with our position - we would like you to join our network by placing your contact details on the Air Your Views page

On our "Blog" page you will be able to network, view and comment on fellow educators' ideas on various maths related topics.

We also invite you to email us your best maths related resources that can be of great use to everyone in the classroom.

We look forward to your active participation.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

Concerned Maths Educators

Email info@mathsexcellence.co.za

Postal Details
Maths Excellence
PO Box 300
Rondebosch
7701

To improve the standard of Maths education and make maths more accessible to ALL South African learners. We have established a network where we as professionals, can debate issues that affect us and the learners we teach; exchange ideas and resources; and become an effective pressure group for change - in this we have also established a dedicated mathematics website to achieve this goal.