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S2009/019 - 5 June 2009Special Assessment ConditionsTimeline for Special Assessment ConditionsCandidates with permanent or long-term conditions or learning disabilities which they believe will significantly impair their performance in specified external assessments and in particular written examinations, may apply to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for special assessment conditions in the current year. This includes candidates with physical disabilities as well as those with specific learning disabilities.
Further information about Special Assessment Conditions is in the Assessment and Examination Rules and Procedures. By now you should have:
Schools wishing to apply using alternative evidence should have contacted their SRM for guidance on making an application. Annual Needs Analysis
The Assessment and Examination Rules and Procedures require schools to review annually the effectiveness of the support provided and make appropriate decisions about the number and nature of standards to be assessed. The needs analysis form (see Record Keeping for Special Assessment Conditions - opposite) will help schools determine whether it is in the best interests of the candidate to continue with the assessment conditions previously offered, or whether changes should be made. A new application must be made for every candidate each year. An approved application for special assessment conditions in one year does not necessarily mean they will be automatically provided in the next year. Testing of applicants with specific learning disabilitiesEvery applicant who is applying for special assessment conditions on the basis of specific learning disabilities must have a current assessment (not more than three years old) from an independent professional such as a Level C assessor. For 2009 applications, this means dated no earlier than 2006. NZQA is aware that some Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour and Special Needs Coordinators who are qualified to meet the NZCER registration requirements and could be in a position to administer assessments to local students, are not currently registered as Level C assessors. Information regarding registration is available from the NZCER website at: http://www.nzcer.org.nz Alternative evidence required for candidates without a current independent assessmentSome schools will be unable to provide NZQA with the required current assessment report from a qualified independent professional for candidates they have identified as having a specific learning disability. This may be because of lack of access to an assessor or the affordability of such an assessment. Before seeking approval to make an application using 'alternative evidence' the school must first be assured that: either
or
Any school in this position must contact their School Relationship Manager no later than 12 June 2009 for guidance and assistance when making an application. When NZQA receives 'alternative evidence' the school must provide evidence of each of the following:
Further details about 'alternative evidence' should be discussed with the School Relationship Manager before making any application. These applications will be considered by a review panel which will include Level C assessors. As there may be no opportunity to engage in further feedback schools need to ensure that they have addressed in full all of the criteria above when making their application. To apply using alternative evidenceApplications using alterative evidence are not able to be made online. They must be fully documented in hard copy and three copies of each document collated and posted to:
All applications for alternative evidence must be signed off by the school Principal as representing a genuine need and attesting to the authenticity of the evidence, and submitted to NZQA no later than 10 August 2009 so that they can be considered by our review panel. To apply onlineApplications are to be made online through the school's High Security Area on its Provider page. A Principal's Nominee can assist the Special Needs Coordinator access the site. Completing the online applicationRead these instructions carefully before making an application. The School Contact must include the name, phone number and email of the staff member making the application. Any application made online is considered confirmation by the school that the applicant has been receiving the same special assessment conditions for all internal assessments throughout 2009. The Reason for application must note:
Closing datesNZQA will not accept applications after 10 August 2009, except for those candidates with a newly identified significant ongoing mental or physical disability which affects their ability to perform in the examinations . In these cases, the school must contact NZQA with the appropriate report by 1 September 2009. 'Alternative evidence' applications cannot be considered after 10 August 2009, as the NZQA review panel will not have sufficient time to process and consider the applications. Approval of ApplicationsAll online applications will be approved as soon as possible after applications have closed. The approvals are made online and their acceptance or rejection can be seen in the High Security area of your school's NZQA website. Schools should check this site and print the applications so that they have a record of the special assessment conditions approved and can also note which candidates used the conditions. This will be useful for your annual needs analysis and review. Any applications that that do not appear to be warranted will be altered to reflect "good practice". For example, a candidate may make an application for extra time while being entered for only one standard. NZQA would reject this application because there are three hours available for this student to complete the one standard. The School Relationship Manager may also contact the school to provide extra details or expand on an application before an application is approved. Record-keeping
Applicants must have been receiving ongoing support to manage their learning difficulties during their time at secondary school, and schools must be able to detail the specific programmes of learning support that they have provided and continue to provide for students. (For a template see SecQual Circular S2006/040 - opposite). All applications will be subject to audit by NZQA. Schools must keep on file all evidence used to support applications for special assessment conditions for at least one year after applications are submitted and until they are no longer required to support further applications by a candidate. Transferring studentsStudents new to the school, with no alternative evidence available to the school, will need to provide a current assessment from a suitably qualified independent professional, as outlined above. Home supervisionAll candidates who request Home Supervision must be unable to sit at an exam centre. Applicants must provide NZQA with current evidence from an appropriately registered professional in support of their application, before 10 August 2009. An address and contact phone number for the applicant must be provided. In some circumstances a candidate whose application has been declined who still wishes to have Home Supervision may have this approved, but only if the candidate meets the costs. The Examination Centre providing any home supervisor should be close to the candidate's home to permit ease of travel for the supervisor. Applicants for Home Supervision should be made aware that their application may be declined if no local school is able or willing to provide a home supervisor.
EnquiriesCirculars are available from the Qualifications authority website (www.nzqa.govt.nz/publications/circulars). A PDF Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to:
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Page updated: 26 May 2009