Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) provide extra help for approved students when they are being assessed for their NCEA so that barriers to achievement can be removed and they then have a fair opportunity to achieve credits. The support is used for internal standards and external (exams) standards.
Examples of SAC are: use of a writer (W) or computer (C), rest breaks (RB), braille (B) or enlarged papers (EP), separate room (SA) and reader (R).
If a person is providing support with reading or writing, they may not guide the student or explain the assessment. This person will only read what is on the test paper and write down what the student says. This is not a teaching time and no discussions on the test paper can occur.
Only students approved by NZQA can use SAC for assessment for NCEA level 1-3.
Your child may have sensory, physical, medical and/or learning difficulties/disabilities that might be able to be overcome or reduced considerably with appropriate assistance.
Students with a medical condition may require a practitioners letter. Students with a learning barrier require additional testing to identify their learning need. Students may be eligible for SAC if there is a recognisable difference between their cognitive ability/oral output and reading/writing output. Testing and practitioner reports are only valid for 2-3 years.
Once a student has been identified as being eligible for SAC support will be put into place from Year 7-13 (where appropriate).
Each student will be identified on their teacher's class list. All teachers will be contacted and receive additional professional development/support to assist your child. Students are expected to use their Special Assessment Conditions for all tests and assessments while at school. The Learning Support Department will apply to NZQA on the student's behalf in accordance with NZQA guidelines.
Further information can be found on NZQA SAC Information for Parents and Caregivers
Students may receive SAC if they have the following:
ADHD/ Impulse Control Issues
ASD High Functioning
Back Injury/Chronic Pain
Deafness/Hearing Impaired
Depression/Psychosis/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Anxiety Disorders
Diabetes
Specific Learning Disorder (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/Dysgraphia)
Developmental Co ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
Epilepsy
Long Standing hand/wrist/arm/shoulder injury
Brain Injury
Pregnancy
Significant Physical/Muscular or Neurological Disability