NZQA has released an Adverse Events Framework to recognise the impact of disruptive events.
This framework builds on the experience gained through COVID-19 and other adverse events, putting in place a permanent approach which will be used from this year.
“The Adverse Events Framework means schools can have confidence about managing disruptions as students work towards NCEA,” says NZQA Deputy Chief Executive, Assessment, Jann Marshall.
The framework recognises that in most cases schools can manage adverse events using the flexibility built into NCEA, while outlining additional support for situations of extended disruption.
“Extreme weather events, natural disasters and other events beyond the control of schools are a fact of life. While NCEA is designed to be flexible, this framework reduces the need for ad-hoc adjustments to the qualification where that flexibility isn’t enough,” Jann Marshall says.
The Framework includes the provision of up to five (5) ‘unspecified credits’ which can be applied to qualifications for eligible school leavers in some circumstances.
To receive ‘unspecified credits’, a student would need to:
- have experienced 20-29 school days of ongoing disruption during the current academic year due to the impact of adverse events; and
- be within 5 credits of attaining the NCEA they were working towards; and
- be leaving school during or at the end of the academic year.
NZQA and the Ministry of Education would work with the school where the effect of adverse events has lasted for more than 29 school days.
“NZQA thanks the sector leaders, including the Minister’s NCEA Professional Advisory Group, who have supported the development of this framework,” Jann Marshall says.