Assessments where SAC provision is not appropriate or not allowed

Internal assessments

Special Assessment Conditions should be provided for all assessments unless there is a clear and considered reason for this to be excluded. The decision about whether the student’s use of SAC is appropriate for a particular assessment is a professional judgement made by the school.

The SAC principles that guide assessment for all standards and general principles should be considered.

Published achievement criteria and explanatory notes for the standard must be considered. All assessment should be credible – valid, verifiable and authentic.

There is no list of internally assessed standards that excludes Special Assessment Conditions, because of the amount and scope of the conditions.

Consideration must also be given as to how manageable SAC is for the student for each standard. In some instances, an alternative assessment approach, for an example, a video or podcast, may better meet the student’s needs without compromising the integrity of the assessment.

Inappropriate use of a Writer

A Writer may be inappropriate in the following situations:

• Writing equations or symbols, for example, in Mathematics, Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Music, because it's difficult to dictate symbols. Offer the Extra Time Writing Option, or assistive technologies if that is the student’s usual way of working.
• Drawing graphs or models, for example, in Mathematics, Geography, Statistics and Physics. Offer Extra Time, or assistive technologies if that is the student’s usual way of working. However, a Writer may label a graphic, such as a diagram or map, as instructed by the student.
• Writing in a Learning or New Language where the assessment is of a student’s ability to spell or write characters or script in that language. Students must demonstrate these skills on their own, either by dictating spelling or accents, or using a computer.
• Demonstrating an independent command of a skill, for example, in Visual Arts or Technology, drawing maps in Geography, drawing graphs in Economics, writing characters in Chinese or Japanese or writing musical notation.

Inappropriate use of a Reader

A Reader may be inappropriate when the assessment requires students to read and comprehend independently. However, a Reader may read the instructions and all words in English in any languages assessment.

Exceptional circumstances, for example, severe disability, can be grounds for increased assistance.

Contact the SAC team

If you have a question or feedback, contact the SAC team at sac@nzqa.govt.nz