Question NW3541 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
07 November 2022 - NW3541
Sukers, Ms ME to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) In light of the pilot phase of the use of scripted lesson plans for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) which is drawing to an end and the previous research which has shown that the CSE programme was ineffective in addressing the sexual behaviour of students, what research (a) protocols have been built into the programme and (b) is being done to determine the effectiveness of the pilot programme; (2) whether her department will proceed to implement the CSE programme roll-out without research into the efficacy and/or impact of the pilot phase; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has been implementing CSE through Life Skills and Life Orientation learning arears since 2000. However, the assessment and classroom observation that were conducted by the late Dr Doug Kirby (one of the writers of the 2009 International Technical Guidance on Comprehensive Sexuality Education) revealed content gaps and low confidence to teach certain topics and content. In this regard, the DBE developed Scripted Lesson Plans (SLPs) as a teacher resource to address content gaps and assist educators to deliver age appropriate Sexuality Education whilst addressing the capacity issues. The content and topics presented in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement are informed by research.