Assessment of Learners
MSLETB’s Quality Assured Assessment Learners aims to ensure that there is fair and consistent assessment of learners and understands that assessment will be promoted as a positive activity, which contributes to and enhances the learner’s development and progression.
The following principles as outlined in QQI’s Quality Assuring Assessment Guidelines underpin MSLETB’s policies and procedures in relation to assessment:
- Validity – assessments will be fit for purpose and will measure what they are intended to measure
- Reliability – assessments will be accurate and consistent over time.
- Fair – assessments must be accessible to and provide equal opportunity for all learners who are potentially able to meet the standard required, using reasonable accommodations where appropriate
- Transparency – ensuring clarity and understanding by all
- Quality – ensuring reliability, fairness and adherence to the standards and agreed procedures.
Quality assured assessment ensures that “learners are assessed, and the assessment judgment is made based on whether the learner has reached the required national standards of knowledge, skill and competence for the award” (QQI, 2018 p.5).
Key Stages in the Quality Assured Assessment Process
The key stages of the QA Assessment Process are shown in Figure 1 QA Assessment Process and each stage is outlined below.
Assessment
- Portfolio of assessment evidence produced
- Assessed by assessor
- Marked and graded
- Provisional results made available
- Demonstrates fair and consistent assessment
Internal Verification
- Internal systematic checking
- Verifying assessment procedures
- Confirming assessment results
External Verification
- Independent confirmation of fair and consistent assessment in accordance with MSLETB QA procedures
- Moderation on a sampling basis
- External Authentication Report produced
Results Approval
- Consideration of Internal Verification and External Authentication Reports
- Review, approve and sign off results
- Agree submission of results to QQI
Learner Appeals
MSLETB have a Learner Appeal Process
Certification
MLSETB have the responsibility to submit QA assessment results to QQI for certification purposes.
Procedures
Robust assessment procedures are in place in all FET centres.
MSLETB FET assessment procedures are as follows:
Examinations: Planning, Conducting and Concluding
Compassionate Consideration in Extenuating Circumstance
Short-Term Extensions Assessment deadlines
Secure Storage of Assessment Materials, records and Learner Assessment Evidence
Reasonable Accommodation in Assessment
Recognition of Prior Learning
Assessment Result Appeals
Assessment Process Appeals
Academic Integrity and Assessment Malpractice
Internal Verification of results
External Authentication
Results Approval Procedure
