Navigating an NZQA External Evaluation and Review (EER) can be a complex process, with common pitfalls that can impact your outcome if left unaddressed. To help you stay ahead, we’ve compiled a list of key areas where PTEs often face challenges, along with practical steps to avoid them. Use this as a checklist to ensure your organization is fully prepared and confident when it’s time for your next review.
Failing to Report Credits in a Timely Manner
Pitfall: Not adhering to the requirement to report credits within 90 days of
being achieved.
How to Avoid: Regularly audit your systems to ensure timely credit reporting,
and if there were past issues, document your audit process and actions taken
to remedy the situation.
Lack of Clear Subcontracting Responsibilities
Pitfall: Failing to establish clear responsibilities in subcontracting
arrangements, such as for pastoral care, moderation, and credit reporting.
How to Avoid: Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined in a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to avoid misunderstandings that could
affect your EER rating.
Not Demonstrating Adequate Staff Workload Management
Pitfall: NZQA concerns about staff workload, especially if there is no clear
mechanism to show how workloads are managed.
How to Avoid: Show NZQA that you have mechanisms in place to manage
workloads, including staff well-being and balance, and document the steps
you've taken to address any concerns.
Tracking Upskilling of Staff
Pitfall: While PTEs often ensure their staff have the necessary subject
expertise and have the evidence in place, NZQA also wants assurances that
staff possess other competencies needed for their role as well. These would
be in relation to knowledge of different cultures relevant to your student body,
teaching effectiveness, classroom management skills, first aid, etc.
How to Avoid: Ensure you maintain records of formal, external training as well
as evidence of informal or internal professional development—such as
workshops, mentoring, or a buddy system—is also documented and
accessible for review.
Outdated or Incomplete Website Information
Pitfall: Not having up-to-date information on your website, including your
current EER category rating.
How to Avoid: Ensure your website reflects the most recent EER category
rating and that all information is current and accurate.
Document prepared by: Marjolein Wesseling, Compliance Consultant with Dacreed and QED Associates.
