Africa: What Do My Students Know? Using Early Grade Assessment Data to Inform Teaching in the Kingdom of Eswatini
AllAfrica
by feedback@worldbank.org (World Bank)February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In Eswatini, a groundbreaking project is transforming early-grade education by equipping teachers with formative assessment tools to track student progress in English, mathematics, and siSwati. This initiative allows educators like Ms. Hlengiwe Dlamini to identify learning gaps early and adjust instruction promptly, ensuring students stay on track with the curriculum. By doing so, it lays a strong foundation for future learning and workforce readiness, keeping children engaged in school and building essential skills for their careers.
The project, supported by the World Bank, includes teacher training, updated materials, and pre-primary support. It aims to strengthen foundational skills, addressing challenges revealed by a national assessment showing low reading speeds among Grade 3 students—just 3 correct words per minute (cwpm) in English and 8 cwpm in siSwati. Despite these discouraging results, MoET is using them as a starting point to implement targeted improvements.
Key activities include training teachers to use formative assessments effectively, reviewing and updating teaching materials, and engaging parents as partners in education. For example, Ms. Dlamini now regularly uses assessment tools provided by MoET to evaluate her Grade 1 students individually, ensuring each child's needs are met. This shift from relying solely on end-of-term tests allows for immediate intervention, preventing students from falling too far behind.
This initiative underscores the importance of early childhood development and basic education in fostering long-term success. By addressing learning gaps early, Eswatini is not only improving academic outcomes but also preparing its youth for future job markets. Strengthening foundational skills at this stage is critical to reducing inequality and ensuring every child has access to quality learning opportunities.
The project highlights the broader global focus on education as a key
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/25/2026