21 February 2006
NZQA announces consultation on foundation learning
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority today announced that it is consulting with tertiary education organisations
about proposed new quality assurance requirements for adult literacy, numeracy and language, described together as
'foundation learning'.
The proposed requirements are part of a series of improvements being developed for foundation learning. They link to the
Government's 2001 Adult Literacy Strategy, 2003 Adult ESOL Strategy and more recent Learning for Living projects.
The proposed new requirements have been circulated among foundation learning providers and can be viewed at
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-providers/foundation.
Acting Chief Executive Karen Sewell commented "Foundation learning matters because it gives many New Zealanders the
means to restart their education. To ensure that foundation learning is being provided to a high standard, we need a
clear and shared understanding of what good delivery means in this specialist field."
Providers and others in the tertiary education sector are invited to give feedback and make suggestions to enhance the
proposed quality assurance requirements. A response form is included with the document.
The deadline for feedback is 7 April 2006. Foundation Learning Quality Assurance Requirements are due to be finalised in
late 2006.
ENDS