Assessment Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure that assessment of students undertaking education and training at CIT is consistent with high quality teaching and learning practices, national policy and the specific requirements of Training Packages or accredited programs. CIT is committed to providing high standards of training and assessment to ensure the best possible outcome for all students. CIT is also committed to ensuring a student-focused, flexible and supportive learning environment at all times.

2. Scope

This policy covers the assessment of subjects (including units of competency) in all CIT programs. The policy needs to be considered with the Assessment Procedures. This policy applies from term 2, 2020.

3. Principles

3.1 National Requirements

3.1.1 All assessment proceedings and reviews follow the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.

3.1.2 All assessment, including that conducted for recognition of prior learning, in nationally recognised VET programs undertaken at CIT will be conducted in accordance with the Principles of Assessment (fairness, flexibility, validity and reliability) and the Rules of Evidence (validity sufficiency authenticity and currency) as required by the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 and as set out in Training Packages.

3.1.3 Assessment of higher education programs will be consistent with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 requirements and meet the Higher Education Assessment policy.

3.1.4 Assessment of ACT Year 12 courses will be consistent with the requirements of the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997.

3.1.5 Assessment of Australian Apprentices will be consistent with the requirements of the ACT Quality Framework.

3.1.6 Assessment of ELICOS courses will be consistent with the requirements of the ESOS Framework and ELICOS Standards.

3.1.7 All assessment must reflect the relevant industry, provide clear instructions to students and where possible be available online.

3.1.8 All VET assessments will be developed/checked and mapped before the first session by appropriately qualified teachers. The mapping must cover all aspects of the competency and assessment requirements.

3.1.9 All VET assessments must be criterion referenced.

3.1.10 Appropriately qualified teachers must conduct and validate all assessments.

3.1.11 Teachers will provide assessment information in the subject/learner guide by the first session of the subject.

3.1.12 Teachers will provide assessment results and feedback within two weeks of the assessment date or due date. Online results and feedback are preferred.

3.1.13 While CIT recognises the use of ungraded and graded assessment, ungraded assessments are preferred for all VET competencies. Graded subjects need approval at program development.3.1 CIT is committed to providing high standards of teaching and assessment to ensure the best possible outcome for all students.

3.2 Reasonable Adjustment

3.2.1 Teachers must make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of all students being assessed, while maintaining the integrity of the subject and the Training Package requirements.

3.3 Assessment Attempts, Re-assessments and Extensions

3.3.1 Students (excluding higher education students) are entitled to at least two attempts to complete an assessment.

3.3.2 Students with valid, extenuating circumstances who miss an assessment or due date are also entitled at least two attempts.

3.3.3 Students without an extension or valid, extenuating circumstances who miss an assessment or due date may only have one opportunity to complete the assessment.

3.3.4 Students may request (in any format) an assessment or re-assessment extension. Teachers will confirm and give a new assessment date or due date.

3.3.5 Teachers may extend an assessment or re-assessment due date for all students. If so, teacher is to notify all students, preferably through the learning management system.

3.4 Appeals

3.4.1 Students have the right to appeal an assessment result as detailed in the Academic Appeals Policy.

3.5 Students Registered with Student Support

3.5.1 Students registered with the CIT Student Support Disability Education Advisors have the right to seek further reasonable adjustments (in addition to that in Principle 3.2.1 above available to all students) of assessment tasks or an extension.

3.5.2 Students registered with the CIT Student Support Disability Education Advisors who are unable to achieve a subject even with reasonable adjustment and an extension may be awarded a modified grade on the recommendation of a Disability Education Advisor. A modified grade does not meet the subject requirements and does not count towards qualification completion, as detailed in the Disability - Provisions for Students Policy.

3.6 Quality Assurance and Retention

3.6.1 Quality assurance processes and systematic validation of assessment apply as required by the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015.

3.6.2 All student assessments and records will be retained as detailed in relevant legislation and policies.

4. Documentation

Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015

Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997

ESOS Framework and ELICOS Standards

ACT Quality Framework

Student Information Guide

Territory Records (Records Disposal Schedule – Student Management Records)

CIT policies

Academic Appeals Policy

Records Management Policy

Disability - Provisions for Students Policy

Rolls (Record of Participation) Policy

Skills Recognition Policy

Teacher/Assessor Qualifications, Experience and Increment Policy

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

For more information about this policy contact Director, Education Services.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures rests with the policy owner.