November 2011
- 15 Nov 2011
Rules work programme extended for training schemes and SFP
Finalising proposed rules for student fee protection and training scheme approvals has been extended into early 2012 to allow additional time for sector feedback to be taken into account.
The proposed rules are starting points for consultation. NZQA is committed to undertaking consultation with an open mind and with a view to improving the proposals.
Student fee protection. An issue in consultation feedback is the legislative requirement to cover agents’ fees in the student fee protection system. Feedback has been extensive and constructive, and it has proved difficult to modify current policy to meet sector needs. Further consultation will take place with PTE peak bodies into 2012. In the meantime, existing SFP policy will continue as deemed rules.
Training scheme approvals. A number of issues have been raised about the extent of coverage of rules for training schemes (usually short courses). NZQA will take the necessary time to work with sector representatives to resolve the issues. It is anticipated that this work will be completed in early 2012.
Consent to assess lapse. In the training schemes consultation document, NZQA notified the sector of a change to legislation that consent to assess standards will lapse in August 2012 if the standards are not used in an approved training scheme or approved programme.
To prevent consents to assess from actually lapsing, providers will have two options: apply for training scheme or programme approval or re-apply for consent to assess. The re-application process will involve a straightforward questionnaire in which providers can state which consents to assess they are using and which they wish to retain.
NZQA will then look at how the consent is being used in the provider’s business and how this affects their capability to design education delivery. Consents will be re-granted by Domain.
See Rules for training schemes (PDF, 426KB)
Read the revised timeline for the NZQA rules work programme.
Bumper turnout for sector briefings
Around 80 per cent of tertiary education organisations have attended briefings to prepare the sector for the many changes occurring in tertiary education, and to gain feedback on the support and information needed by the sector in 2012.
The briefings provided by the sector relationship managers* over the past six months are a “first” for the sector in bringing together in one room representatives from private, government and industry training groups. (*Not including institutes of technology and polytechnics and wānanga.)
QAD Deputy Chief Executive Tim Fowler expresses his appreciation for the generosity and hospitality of those PTEs that provided venues for the briefings.
Subjects covered included:
- The Targeted Review of Qualifications
- External evaluation and review
- Incentives and sanctions
- Maintaining registration
- Self-assessment
- The new NZQA rules
- Mātauranga Māori evaluative quality assurance (MMEQA)
Sector relationship manager team leader, Kris Dahl, encourages TEOs to check the NZQA website and stay in contact with their sector relationship manager to keep up with the changes. TEOs who can offer a venue for hosting small-group capability-building workshops can contact their SRM, or Kris on 04 463 3066, 027 612 0455, email: kris.dahl@nzqa.govt.nz
Education Act Guidance note for TEOs
A Guidance note for TEOs is available which outlines the key legislative changes of the Education Amendment Act 2011 and the new and changed obligations of TEOs and other stakeholders.
The Act, which came into force on 30 August 2011, revised NZQA’s functions and powers to include the power to make rules in place of the current policies and criteria. The Act also provides for a stronger regulatory and enforcement framework in relation to registration and non-compliance.
Read the Guidance note on Education Amendment Act 2011 (DOC, 242KB)
Managed introduction for Mātauranga Māori EQA
Initial implementation of Mātauranga Māori Evaluative Quality Assurance (MM EQA) begins with a managed introduction of MM EQA (qualifications listing) and MM EQA (programme approval and accreditation) in late November 2011.
Applications for this process are limited to nominations from the Mātauranga Māori Working Group and NZQA’s Māori Qualifications Services team.
In keeping with the collaborative approach to the development of the model, representatives from the working group will train and work alongside NZQA staff to undertake this activity.
NZQA plans to be ready to receive enquiries and applications for qualifications, programmes and organisational performance reviews under MM EQA by April 2012.
2012 Qualifications Review Schedule finalised
The 2012 Qualifications Review Schedule has been finalised and published on the NZQA website.
Changes to the 2012 provisional schedule include rescheduling the Beauty Services and Food Processing reviews to 2013, and renaming and combining other categories.
Reviews triggered for 2011 are ongoing and the schedule for 2011 remains on the website. A spreadsheet keeps track of the progress of all reviews. Please contact your sector relationship manager if you have any queries about your sector review.
See Qualifications Review Schedule web page.
QAD on the web
EER dates for 2012
The schedule of dates for 2012 external evaluation and reviews has been published. The schedule is subject to ongoing revision as required.
Practice notes for qualifications reviews
Practice Note 1: Developing an effective governance framework has been revised and updated.
Practice Note 2: Submitting approval-winning evidence for new qualifications has been added.