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Special Assessment Conditions are supports approved by NZQA for students whose learning, medical, physical, or psychological needs significantly affect their ability to access assessments fairly. Examples of supports may include:

• reader/writer assistance
• computer use
• extra time
• separate accommodation
• rest breaks

These supports are designed to ensure students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills on an equitable basis with their peers.

Screening and Identification

As part of our ongoing support processes, the school is currently undertaking a range of screening assessments, including the EXACT assessment and Dyslexia Screening tools.

These screenings help identify students who may have specific learning difficulties (SLD), including students whose needs may not previously have been formally recognised. The information gathered also helps teachers tailor classroom strategies and support.

Please note:

• these screenings are not diagnostic assessments
• however, they are accepted by NZQA as part of the evidence required for SAC applications
• NZQA requires recent evidence, and older assessments (including some historical assessments) may no longer meet current application requirements

Learning strategies and support information arising from screening may be recorded in KAMAR for teaching staff to access where appropriate.

Medical and Other Conditions

Students seeking SAC support for conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), diabetes, physical impairments, mental health conditions, or other medical needs require supporting documentation from an appropriate registered professional.

This may include:

• a medical diagnosis
• specialist reports
• documentation from a registered psychologist, counsellor, or relevant health professional

Unfortunately, parent or caregiver notes alone are not sufficient evidence for NZQA applications.

Ongoing Use of Support is Important

NZQA requires schools to provide evidence that any assessment support requested is the student’s normal way of working.

This means schools must be able to show that students regularly use these supports in classroom assessments, practice assessments, and examinations prior to applying for SAC.

Examples of evidence may include:

• use of SAC in school assessments and examinations
• records of reader/writer assistance
• classroom accommodations routinely used by the student
• teacher observations and documentation

The school keeps records of SAC use to support future applications.

Why Early Identification Matters

NZQA expects SAC applications to be made early, ideally before or during Year 11. Applications made late in Year 11 or during the senior years can be significantly more difficult to approve unless there is clear evidence explaining why support was not identified earlier.

For this reason, it is important that:

• students engage with recommended supports when offered
• families provide relevant documentation promptly
• students regularly use approved supports during school assessments

Building a consistent history of support use gives students the best possible chance of successful SAC applications in the senior school years.

Working Together

We appreciate the support of parents and caregivers as we work together to ensure students receive appropriate assistance and equitable access to assessment opportunities.

If you believe your child may require SAC support, or if you have relevant documentation you would like to share with the school, please contact the Learning Support team.