Quality Assurance Models for New

National Qualifications

Quality Assurance Models for New

National Qualifications

Report on Engagement

Design issuesDesign issues

New qualifications – more skills based, greater personalisation, diversity of assessment approaches

QA developments Self-evaluation frameworks Proportionality Involvement of stakeholders

Who Did We Involve In Engagement?Who Did We Involve In Engagement?

Curricular Area Review Groups Local Authority Representatives College Quality Managers School Leaders Scotland Representatives ADES QuIN

What Did We Ask?What Did We Ask?

Strengths and challenges of:– current external verification models– potential new QA models

Viability of:– using a blend of models– a rolling programme of QA activity– basing activity on risk/identified needs

Models DiscussedModels Discussed

Current:– Prior verification– Central and postal verification– Visiting verification (including COVEs)

Potential new:– Regional– Partnership

FeedbackFeedback

Need for robust QA for credibility – particular concerns around National 4

Assessment expertise of teachers Role of the NAR Resource issues - “dual running” and centre

capacity High quality – and timely – feedback Avoid end-loading QA

Feedback (cont.)Feedback (cont.)

Culture change necessary Internal QA prerequisite SQA guardian of national standards Blended approach Risk - longer term development Differences in school/college perspectives,

priorities and concerns Potential of IT solutions

Progress to Date and Next Steps

Progress to Date and Next Steps

Key Messages from EngagementKey Messages from Engagement

Need for robust QA – credibility Approaches need to be developmental – CPD Approaches need to be inclusive and foster

collegiality Role of SQA as guardian of national standards Constraints – budget, funding and release

Additional Considerations: Curriculum for ExcellenceAdditional Considerations: Curriculum for Excellence

Need to create long-term capacity and build confidence

Importance of professional dialogue – across centres, sectors and regions

Shared responsibility through partnerships Need for flexibility – personalisation and choice

Potential Approaches – Rethinking the Way We Work With CentresPotential Approaches – Rethinking the Way We Work With Centres

Developing a culture of partnership between SQA and allCentres:

SQA and centres working together to:– identify appropriate subject specialist for QA activity– embed CPD into the QA process for both individuals

and centres– quality assure assessment decisions

SQA continues in role of ensuring national standards in a supportive way

Current Approaches: External QA ActivityCurrent Approaches: External QA Activity

Central Verification

Visiting Verification

Regional Verification

SQA Appointees Centre Representatives

Potential Approaches: External QA ActivityPotential Approaches: External QA Activity

National QA Events

Area QA Events

SQA and Centres working in partnership

Visiting QA Events

Next StepsNext Steps

Engagement:– Share our thinking – Identify practical implications– Develop partnership working in a manageable way

Two structured engagement events in April – representative volunteers required

Develop further detail of models:– roles and responsibilities– identify resources required