NCEA a robust and credible qualification

PPTA PRINCIPALS’ COUNCIL

Media Release

2 June 2004

NCEA a robust and credible qualification

The Principals’ Council today reiterated its support for the NCEA and its belief that the system has the necessary checks, balances and safeguards to produces a coherent and credible set of qualifications.

Principals’ Council chairperson Don McLeod acknowledged that recent media coverage of alleged practices at Cambridge High School may have encouraged members of the public, students and parents to question the NCEA’s worth and integrity.

However, he said the Council believed that students and parents could be confident that there was comparability between schools, and proper procedures within schools to ensure fair, accurate and equitable assessment.

“The Principals’ Council is a strong supporter of NCEA. Teachers, trainers, schools and principals have done a huge amount of work to ensure its successful introduction. The fact that we have now moved into Level 3 with the agreement of the Universities and a minimum of disruption is a credit to all involved.

“Many students also like NCEA, and the Education Review Office has reported favourably on its introduction.

“The training teachers have undergone, their professional expertise and experience, and the desire of an overwhelming majority of the sector to make the NCEA work reliably will ensure that this national qualification and assessment system has both strength and credibility.”

Mr McLeod said that the Council believed that allegations of misuse or irregularity by individuals or schools would be properly investigated and that appropriate action would follow.

“We also urge students, parents and teachers with concerns to talk to their local school about the details and processes being followed there.

“For our part we strongly endorse the system and the ability of schools to operate it fairly.”

Ends.

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