Submitted by Universal Learning Solutions

Data-SMARTS
Technology Proposal

Implementing the Data-SMARTS Technology Solution using the Universal Learning Portal (ULP) — a proven, end-to-end platform for foundational literacy and numeracy assessment.

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Executive Summary

The Data-SMARTS initiative represents a strategic opportunity for the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to transform how foundational literacy and numeracy data is collected, analysed, and used to drive improvement at classroom, district, and provincial levels.

Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) proposes the use of its proven Universal Learning Portal (ULP) — formerly known as Jolly Monitor — as a comprehensive, end-to-end technology platform to support this vision.

The platform supports the full assessment lifecycle: intuitive digital data capture (including timed EGRA and EGMA tasks), automated data validation and cleaning, immediate analysis, clear dashboards, and actionable reporting for different user groups. It has been designed for non-technical users, operates reliably in low-connectivity environments, and scales efficiently across provinces.

Not-for-profit organisation
Government partnership model
Proven at national scale
2-year capacity handover

About Universal Learning Solutions

ULS is a South African registered not-for-profit organisation committed to improving foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes at scale through practical, evidence-based tools, strong partnerships with government, and a deep respect for educators working on the front line.

ULS has worked in close collaboration with Jolly Technologies over the last 10 years to design, pilot and scale the ULP. Jolly Technologies builds technology that scales the impact of literacy interventions globally, with apps on millions of devices worldwide.

Track Record of Success

The ULP has been piloted, refined, and deployed at scale across multiple countries and contexts over 9 years.

Nigeria

The ULP has been piloted and refined over 9 years in Nigeria, commissioned by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and state governments across the country.

All states

States deployed

243,597

Teachers reached

123,815

Schools

950,000+

Pupil assessments

Western Cape, South Africa

ULS worked closely with the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) to deploy the ULP for learner assessment, data aggregation, and reporting — embedded into routine departmental processes.

335,800

Pupils

1,622

Teachers

80

Officials

506

Schools

Alignment with the Data-SMARTS Specification

The ULP has been intentionally designed as a one-stop platform — enabling robust data collection, automated cleaning and analysis, and the rapid delivery of actionable insights at all levels.

Assessment & Data Capture

Timed EGRA and EGMA tasks with configurable timers and stopping rules
Positive and negative marking per word or item
Multi-language content uploaded via admin backend
Audio recording with noise suppression
Geolocation capture for validation
Offline-first with secure syncing
Bulk upload of schools, classes, and learners
Unique learner IDs for longitudinal tracking
Sampling tools for district and provincial assessments

Data Cleaning & Validation

Real-time validation during data entry
Configurable skip logic and required fields
Automated post-collection cleaning rules aligned with EGRA/EGMA practices
Flagging of outliers and inconsistencies for administrator review

Analysis, Visualisation & Reporting

Immediate learner-level metrics (e.g. CWPM, benchmark status)
Aggregated school, district, and provincial statistics
Simple dashboards with no more than ten key indicators
Comparisons to national or provincial benchmarks
Actionable insights and instructional suggestions
One- to two-page PDF reports for different stakeholders
CSV exports and API integration (Power BI, DDD dashboards)

Administration, Security & Sustainability

Multi-province architecture with strict data partitioning
Role-based access control
Secure hosting within South Africa (POPIA-compliant)
Scalable performance for thousands of schools
Multi-device support (phones, tablets, laptops)
Open-source / co-ownership model — no vendor lock-in

Documentation, Training & Support

Comprehensive technical and administrative documentation
Blended training: face-to-face, video tutorials, printable guides
Developer-facing open source documentation
Helpdesk support and update management

Quality Assurance & Monitoring

Usability testing, field pilots, and user acceptance testing
Built-in monitoring for usage, data quality, performance, and security

Full Requirements Traceability

We have mapped every requirement in the Data-SMARTS specification to existing functionality in the Universal Learning Portal, demonstrating full coverage across all areas.

View Traceability Matrix

Training & Capacity Building

ULS proposes a blended training model combining face-to-face engagement with high-quality digital learning resources, alongside a structured two-year handover process to ensure the GDE can independently operate, maintain, and extend the system.

Training includes:

Face-to-face training for subject advisors, senior managers, and district officials
Short, targeted video tutorials embedded in the platform
Printable guides and quick-reference materials
Conducting assessments, understanding dashboards, using data for instructional support

Teacher integration

ULS will integrate ULP training into existing Gauteng teacher training programmes, enabling 6,000+ Grade 1 and 2 teachers to conduct learner assessments directly — dramatically reducing long-term assessment costs and supporting more frequent, classroom-based assessment cycles.

Two-Year Handover Plan

Year 1
  • Jolly Technologies leads system configuration
  • ULS leads rollout and training
  • Integration with existing Gauteng teacher training programmes
  • Training 6,000+ Grade 1 and 2 teachers to use ULP for assessment
  • Comprehensive documentation developed
Year 2
  • Gauteng officials increasingly co-facilitate training and support
  • Documentation refined based on field experience
  • Technical and operational ownership gradually transferred to GDE
  • GDE fully equipped to operate, maintain, and extend the system independently

Explore the Universal Learning Portal

Dive deeper into the production-ready platform that powers the Data-SMARTS solution.

Mobile App

89 screens across 9 feature modules with full offline support

Explore

Backend System

Kotlin/Spring Boot server with 85+ entities and 150+ API operations

Explore

Sync Algorithm

Reliable offline-first data synchronisation with conflict resolution

Explore

Data Architecture

PostgreSQL database with 120+ relationships and comprehensive ERD

Explore

AI Readiness

ULS and Jolly Technologies recognise the potential of AI-based speech recognition to reduce administrative burden and improve consistency in early-grade assessments. The ULP has therefore been designed with AI readiness in mind, while adopting a cautious and responsible approach.

Jolly Technologies is in a uniquely strong position to build AI reading as it has developed a commercial AI reading product, currently in testing.

Initial AI integration would focus on limited pilot implementations in a small number of schools and languages, with careful validation against human scoring before any scale-up. ULS does not propose AI as a replacement for educators, but as a supportive tool to enhance efficiency and data quality over time.

Modular system architecture that allows external AI engines to be integrated without disrupting core functionality
Secure storage and cataloguing of learner audio data suitable for future model training
Alignment with ethical, privacy, and child-protection requirements
A partnership-based approach, working with specialist AI providers selected in collaboration with the Binding Constraints Lab

Download the Full Proposal

The complete proposal includes the detailed specification compliance matrix, implementation timeline, team biographies, and project budget.

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