Verantwoorde onderwysstatistiek

Abstract

In considering the historical development and the present state of South African educational statistics, a number of shortcomings are revealed. At the time of writing, there is a serious delay in the publication of urgently needed statistics. The causes of the deficiencies are discussed, as well as the continual need for up-to-date information. A weakness of the present system is over-centralization of data processing, mainly due to unplanned development in the past. Recent efforts to expedite publication of educational statistics have resulted in certain improvements, but it is shown that it would be insufficient to merely "patch up" the present educational data system. It is outdated and does not meet the requirements discussed in chapter 4. In this chapter quantification of the educational system is shown to be justifiable and necessary, being an effective aid in educational planning, administration and research. Attention is also given to the purpose, kind, amount and frequency of the required information. Recent developments concerning educational statistics have been investigated in some Western countries, and are reported on in the next chapter. The trend towards automation (computerization), including the use of mathematical models of the educational system, is irresistible. Both receive special attention, and some meaningful results have been calculated for the South African educational system for the first time. A new educational data system is proposed, based on the stated requirements and other findings. The availability of data on individual pupils, students and teachers is a cornerstone of the proposed system, and it is shown how technological resources can be more fully exploited.