Tertiary Reforms

The keenly awaited EAG report to the Minister for Tertiary Education has been made public

NZQA has been commissioned by the TEC to lead the development of the quality assurance framework as part of TEC's overall responsibility for implementing the broader tertiary education reforms.

The independent EAG includes people highly respected in tertiary education and evaluation. The report is the product of their deliberations in 2007 and provides a clear description of the evaluative approach to quality assurance currently under development.

The EAG has endorsed the new approach to quality assurance that will see ongoing self-assessment by tertiary institutions, backed up by periodic external evaluation and review. The report supports this high trust model, where primary responsibility for the quality of education rests with the providers.

"We are keen that everyone with an interest in tertiary education reads the report," says Deputy Chief Executive Mike Willing. "Along with our web-based discussion forum expected to be available from the end of the month, it will provide the basis for our ongoing discussion and work with the sector."

Chair of the EAG Professor Gary Hawke says the new system shifts away from an audit and input-focused approach to quality, to a focus on outcomes backed up by evidence.

The report states: "A key component of self-assessment will be how providers gather and respond to evidence of student outcomes and teacher effectiveness, as the key influence on student outcomes." Significantly, the report also notes: "Authentic self-assessment will require the engagement of staff at all levels of tertiary organisations, especially teaching staff."

The Government invests in tertiary education to the tune of over $3 billion a year and wants to be confident that it is getting the best possible value for money in terms of quality - that the outcomes of tertiary education are what students, communities (including employers) and society as a whole need.

Comments/queries can be directed to reforms@nzqa.govt.nz.

Keep checking the Tertiary Reforms section of the NZQA website and we'll keep you in touch with new developments.

Mike Willing
Deputy Chief Executive, Quality Assurance
NZQA

Page updated: 19 February 2008