Pasifika Standards and Qualifications Needs Analysis Consultation

Closed 03 Jun 2011

What we want from you

The purpose of this discussion document (PDF, 51KB) is to seek your feedback about:

• your perceptions as, community, employer, employee and provider on the current Pasifika standards and qualifications developed by NZQA
• what, if any, barriers there are currently impacting on the uptake of existing Pasifika standards and qualifications
• aspects of Pasifika knowledge and skills where you believe further standards and qualifications should or could be developed.

Standards and qualifications development

Standard-setting bodies are responsible for the quality and credibility of the national standards and qualifications that are submitted to NZQA for registration. The standards-setting bodies work with industry partners, professional groups, and other stakeholders to develop useful qualifications and relevant standards that are nationally recognised.  A description of who the standard-setting bodies are in New Zealand is attached as Appendix Two.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s role

NZQA, as the standard-setting body for generic Pasifika qualifications and standards has developed standards in five Directory of Assessment Standards subfields: Pacific Studies; Pacific Islands Early Childhood Education (PIECE); Niue Arts and Crafts; Tongan Arts and Crafts; and Languages (Lea Faka-Tonga and Vagahau Niue).

Three qualifications have also been developed specifically for Early Childhood Education teachers of Pasifika children: National Certificate in Pacific Islands Early Childhood Education (Level 4), National Certificate in Pacific Islands Early Childhood Education (Pasifika Management) (Level 6) and National Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education, Pasifika) (Level 7).

National Pasifika standards and qualifications are:

• drafted by expert groups and circulated to stakeholders for comment and contribution
• submitted to NZQA for quality assurance and listing
• subject to review by stakeholders and experts on a regular basis. This allows for nationally recognised qualifications and standards to be refined and updated over time.

In December 2010, NZQA reviewed and updated all currently developed Pasifika standards and qualifications. 

The usage of the standards that NZQA has developed varies from little or no uptake to very high uptake.  The needs analysis on Pasifika Standards and qualifications will assist NZQA with the future development of Pasifika standards and qualifications.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s Pasifika Strategy

In April 2009, NZQA implemented a Pasifika Strategy 2009-2012 (NZQA’s Pasifika Strategy). The overall goal for NZQA’s Pasifika Strategy is to contribute to Pasifika learners becoming highly skilled and highly qualified.  To support this goal NZQA, based on consultation with Pasifika communities and relevant clients, identified six focus areas for attention: Learners, Qualifications, Quality Assurance, and International Recognition, Communications and Operational Excellence.

NZQA is now working towards implementing the following key actions of NZQA’s Pasifika Strategy:

Key action 1.1 - NZQA will respond to Pasifika communities (learners, parents/caregivers, employers, schools and other education providers) by developing and maintaining Pasifika unit standards and qualifications, including early childhood education.

Key action 1.2 - NZQA will maintain the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and identify qualification development areas that support the future economic and social aspirations of Pasifika communities living in New Zealand.

This needs analysis review contributes to these key actions.

The Ministry of Education’s Pasifika Education Plan

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the Government's lead advisor on the New Zealand education system.  The MoE’s Pasifika Education Plan 2009 – 2012 delivers policies, programmes and services focused on improving the Pasifika community’s knowledge of and participation in the education system.  

The goals and targets in the Pasifika Education Plan 2009–2012 are:

• parents being involved in their children’s education
• effective teaching focused on achievement
• Pasifika students achieving school-level qualifications
• Pasifika students completing their tertiary education qualifications.

Priority Outcome 2 – Every child achieves literacy and numeracy levels that enable their success

Priority Outcome 3 – Every young person has the skills and qualifications to contribute to their and New Zealand’s future

Priority Outcome 4 – Relevant and efficient tertiary education provision that meets student and labour market needs.

This needs analysis review contributes to these Ministry of Education priority outcomes.

How to provide feedback

NZQA is seeking your feedback and comments on Pasifika Standards and Qualifications. Written submissions are welcomed, and a questionnaire is provided, with space to respond to questions related to this topic at Appendix One.  Electronic responses are preferred, but hard-copy responses are also welcome.

Please email feedback to: TeamPasifika@nzqa.govt.nz

Or post to:

Pasifika Standards and Qualifications
Needs Analysis Feedback
Strategic and Corporate Services NZQA
PO Box 160
Wellington 6140

 

Feedback is due by 3 June 2011

Attached for your information are the following:

Appendix 1:     Questionnaire (DOC, 152KB)

Appendix 2:     List of Standard-Setting Bodies and their responsibilities (PDF, 30KB)

Appendix 3:     List of NZQA owned Pasifika Qualifications and Standards (PDF, 51KB)