27 July 2006
Enhancements to Record of Learning
An initial draft of possible enhancements to NZQA's Record of Learning was presented by NZQA Chief Executive Karen
Poutasi today (27 July) at the New Zealand Secondary Principals' Council Conference in Christchurch.
Still in its early stages of development, it is planned to have a further draft available for on-line consultation at
the end of next week. Discussions will also be held with key stakeholders, including industry, tertiary and secondary
providers in the next few weeks.
"Apart from students having a view, for some time we've been concerned that we aren't meeting the needs of employers who
find our current Record of Learning confusing," Dr Poutasi said.
"No decisions have been made and consultation will be required, but we can show you what we are thinking of doing, at
least so far," she told principals.
"The first and most important thing is that right at the top we have put the learner's qualifications so far, in this
case NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3, along with the date issued. The current Record of Learning has these down the back. Note
that this is 'Qualifications and Other Achievements'. So next we see that this student has gained New Zealand
Scholarship in six subjects and University Entrance. The current Record of Learning doesn't include University Entrance
because technically it isn't a qualification.
"We've concluded that we should just tell people what they want to know. Likewise, if this student had gained any
national certificates they would be here too."
A new way of grouping records is also being considered.
"The big change is we have grouped standards into subjects and levels. The old Record of Learning bunched standards
according to other classifications (domains), which were counter-intuitive for most people. We want a reader to be able
to quickly see the subjects the learner is strong in."
Dr Poutasi stressed the process of enhancing the Record of Learning was in its very early stages. The draft for on-line
consultation will have tertiary-level examples and be further developed. "We hope that an amended Record of Learning,
once finalised, will be more useful, especially when presented to employers by job seekers. I repeat again, no final
decisions have been made. A lot more thinking and a consultation process will be required before, if at all, we lock
this down."
A full transcript of Karen Poutasi's speech, and a pdf of the initial draft RoL, is available on-line at:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/news/featuresandspeeches/draft-rol-enhancements.html
ENDS