Presentation prepared for the Education and Science Select Committee

By Emeritus Professor Dr Graeme Fraser, Chair, Board of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority

16 February 2005

Good morning, Mr Chairman and members of the Committee.

If I may I would like to make a few brief introductory remarks in order to provide a context, at least from the perspective of the Qualifications Authority, of today's proceedings.

Mr Chairman the stated purpose of this meeting is to examine the Qualification Authority's Annual Report, the financial statements and its overall performance. To that end I hope that the written responses to the Committee's questions are satisfactory. Despite the more immediate matters which the Committee will undoubtedly wish to consider, there may be questions which you and your colleagues wish to raise about the documentation we have provided.

That said and before addressing some comments about current issues I would like to highlight a number of the Qualifications Authority's achievements in the year under consideration which reflect the scope of its responsibilities.

The New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications - the Register - and the Qualifications Framework are now firmly in place and provide the platform for the way ahead.

The Register is unique world-wide for its agreed quality criteria and qualification descriptors. It brings together all approved qualifications available in New Zealand's tertiary institutions and secondary schools. Now the KiwiQuals website provides the means for students and employers and other stakeholders to compare qualifications and make informed choices.

The Record of Learning with over 1 million individual records on electronic file is also an important, accessible adjunct to these platforms. Both are very important achievements.

The Qualifications Authority's eQA project, the lynchpin of its electronic infrastructure continues to be successfully developed. It is due for completion in 2006. This tool will enable the Qualifications Authority to continue enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its services.

The Qualifications Recognition Services, previously known as Qualification Evaluation Services is, despite changes to the skilled migrant policy and cost recovery requirements, an important, low profile achiever. It continued to provide timely and responsive services to a demanding clientele in a rapidly changing international environment.

Industry and workplace learning is another important area of achievement. In 2004, the Qualifications Authority, Industry Training Organisations and their representative body, the Industry Training Federation, working collaboratively completed the development of an audit standard for ITOs. This audit process has been welcomed by stakeholders in the sector. It is now being seen as a key factor in supporting the increased volumes.associated with the target of 250,000 industry trainees by 2007.

And finally, Mr Chairman in this selection of achievements for 2003-2004, the full implementation of Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the NCEA. This is a massive undertaking that has entailed meeting enormous logistical demands.

For example, whereas there were 88,460 students entered in Level 1 in 2002, this figure had climbed to 132,018 by 2004, the year in which Level 3 was introduced. There were 11,111 examinations conducted in 2002 and 18,367 in 2004; 2.78 million examination booklets printed in 2002 and 3.08 million in 2004.

The implementation of the NCEA is the most significant and far reaching change that has ever occurred in our secondary school system. This decisive step forward followed more than a decade of debate and division which culminated in a definitive Cabinet paper of 1998. This paper was the basis of, and rationale for, the introduction of the NCEA. It has largely been successful. That is not to say that adjustments and refinements to the system aren't necessary; that is to be expected in an undertaking of this scale and significance. The way ahead will involve consolidation and working to realize a better understanding of the full potential of the NCEA not only for learners but society as a whole.

These things said, Mr Chairman, I am very aware of the questions that have been raised and claims made about the NCEA system and also about the recently introduced, but entirely separate set of examinations for Scholarship. Yesterday, two important reviews were announced by the Government that will address these questions and claims. I trust these reviews as well as the ongoing work of the Qualifications Authority will provide a sound, problem solving basis for ensuring the integrity and credibility of the NCEA.

Finally, I wish to make it clear that the Board is united and fully committed to its governance duties. We will deal with the significant challenges ahead.