Acting Chief Executive's Foreword

NZQA recently celebrated its 15th birthday. As with any anniversary it was cause to reflect, and then more importantly, to look forward.

My role over the next few months is to guide the agency through a transition phase. Reviews have now been completed and we are implementing the clear direction and recommendations given by the State Services Commission (SSC) following the reports on NZQA's performance and, more widely, the performance of NZQA, the Ministry of Education and TEC in those areas where our roles and responsibilities are linked. These recommendations are designed to lift our performance and that of the sector generally.

I have only been with NZQA for a short time, but it is clear to me that some rebuilding is necessary to strengthen the organisation. I have agreed with the findings of the reviews and am now committed to implementing the recommendations made by the SSC.

I am sure that you, as stakeholders, will notice a difference in the organisation's operational and project management practices in the coming months. I am grateful to those of you who have already offered me your encouragement and advice and I look forward to having further discussions with you.

I am confident that work that we have already done will ensure more consistent exam results. There are now a significant number of practical steps in place, including professional development and more detailed information for teachers, and better preparation of markers.

We have also sought expert advice on the issue of variation, in order to minimise it.

All these steps can give parents, students and teachers confidence that variability will be more transparent and better managed.

As part of the wider education sector review recommendations, NZQA will now work more closely with the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission on our common goals of shaping and managing change and ensuring that the policies we are responsible for better support such changes.

We have worked closely with the Ministry and expert teachers over the past few months to implement the changes made to Scholarship for 2005. A national road show, regular circulars to schools and communication with students have all been part of the information campaign.

You can read more about the SSC reviews, subsequent recommendations, and updated scholarship information in this issue of QA News.

It is easy to forget, in the midst of reviews and recommendations, that NZQA has developed a National Qualifications Framework that is regarded as a world leader and that New Zealand qualifications are accepted and respected internationally. NZQA has contributed significantly to the development of qualifications frameworks in other countries.

NZQA has played a significant role in improving the achievements of learners in schools, tertiary institutions and workplaces over the past 15 years.

I have had links with the Qualifications Authority since it was set up in 1990 and I believe strongly that the work of NZQA, in setting up and managing the National Qualifications Framework, has made a positive difference to New Zealanders. I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to continue this work.

Regards

Karen Sewell