A task team, which was recently appointed by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, has recommended that the department plans and implements a rigorous national Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) teacher development programme.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Monday said recommendations outlined that the programmes should focus on improving mastery of MST curriculum content and instructional management.

According to DBE, the Ministerial Task Team drafted a report in 2013 that also highlighted that the programme should make use of appropriate and effective training interventions and techniques.

DBE said the Ministerial Task Team was appointed to investigate challenges that hamper performance in MST, following the scrutiny that Mathematics learners and teachers have been put under in recent years, with regard to competency.

The task team also recommended that the programme improves subject advisory services by strengthening district capacity, resources and training.

It further recommended that the department’s coaching and mentoring should be made effective by focussing more on subject support than on administration and prioritising classroom based support, coaching and mentoring.