Implementation of SACMEQ Strategies in Literacy and Numeracy

Acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills is important for learners whose class eight and secondary education is terminal. The skills will enable them to contribute economically to the society. Further, the skills are vital for further learning and are also a requirement of EFA, MDGs and 21st century goals for learning. Further, literacy and numeracy gaps faced by pupils at primary levels are often magnified at secondary school level where majority of the students do not reach desirable levels of learning. When pupils fail to acquire literacy and numeracy skills during the initial years of primary school, their chances of acquiring other skills in later classes are slim. It is therefore significant to establish teachers' views about in-service training as a strategy for improving teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy, and utilization of instructional materials in improving pupils' literacy and numeracy skills in public lower primary schools.

Dr. Elizabeth Katam is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, School of Education, Kenyatta University. Her areas of specialization are curriculum studies, research in education and gender studies. Apart from being a researcher, she is a consultant in education.