FILE – In this Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, file photo, children sing a song as they attend assembly on their first day back at school at the start of the new academic year in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa spent R238 billion, about $20 billion, on education in 2014, according to the treasury department. Yet, […]
FILE – In this Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, file photo, children sing a song as they attend assembly on their first day back at school at the start of the new academic year in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa spent R238 billion, about $20 billion, on education in 2014, according to the treasury department. Yet, increased spending and experimental policies have not been able to overcome the obstacles left by a historically segregated schooling system. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga acknowledged during her televised announcement on Monday evening that preparation had to begin in kindergarten already. The government has introduced national exams to test basic math and language skills in lower grades, but South African scores are among the lowest in the world. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell, File)