Random Sampling Pilot By NZQA

12 March, 2007

NZQA will conduct a pilot study into the use of random sampling in moderation of internal assessment in secondary schools in September.

A total of 89 schools are scheduled to have internal assessment moderated in September, as part of normal moderation cycles.

NZQA has requested the schools retain all internally assessed student work for the Level 3 standards already selected for moderation. From these, random samples will be selected for moderation.

The pilot will investigate the outcomes of moderation from the random sample of candidate work compared with the outcomes from self-selected samples.

Currently, moderation guidelines state that schools should send work at the borderline of grades, with the aim of focusing on professional development by teachers.

Deputy Chief Executive, Qualifications, Bali Haque, said the NZQA was committed to ongoing improvement in all areas of its work and the pilot was a result of considering possible options to further improve the robustness of internal assessment.

"We have confidence in the current system of moderation, and the professionalism of teachers," he said. "The random sampling pilot is a way of looking at further quality assurance of our systems."

For more information contact:

Steve Rendle
Senior Media Adviser
04 463 4240
0274 57 57 83

Page updated: 12 February 2007