Mixed Results from NCEA Survey

Mixed Results from NCEA Survey

Publicity surrounding Cambridge High School has dented confidence in NCEA, according to the latest AC Nielsen survey (November 2004) commissioned by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. However, the survey shows that those with direct experience with the system are largely positive.

Making the results public, Qualifications Authority Chief Executive Karen Van Rooyen said it was disappointing that support for NCEA had dropped in the general public in the past eight months.

"We expected issues at Cambridge High School would affect confidence in NCEA and unfortunately that's borne out in this survey. The impact is evident, even though the concerns related to a small area of one school, affected only a small number of students, and were quickly rectified. Among parents there's also been a small loss of support, but it has been less than among the general public.

"This survey does, however, reveal many good things about the way NCEA is perceived.

"The majority of parents think it allows for flexible learning, and there's been an increase in the number of parents who agree that NCEA reports clearly what a student knows and can do. The perception that NCEA recognises excellence in students is also more positive.

"In relation to employers, they are now more aware of NCEA although there are some aspects that they don't yet understand.

"A significant number of school leavers with new qualifications are now entering the workforce. We expect employers' confidence in the system to grow as they become more familiar with it."

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