1. English Language Education Information Day May 2017

2. Overview Update on the International Education Mark (IEM)
Current QQI ELE activities
Programme validation
Project re NFQ & CEFRL and ELE awards
ACELS – 2016 review
2017 ongoing
ELE Enhancement Conference 2017
Questions

4. Role of QQI
The maintenance and development of the National Framework of Qualifications
The validation of programmes of education & training
The making of awards
The monitoring and review of providers
The external quality review of the universities; a function performed in conjunction with the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
The development and maintenance of a register of programmes leading to awards in the NFQ
Managing a ACELS until the introduction of the IEM - a Code of Practice for the provision of education to international learners

6. Principles of Quality Assurance
Primary responsibility lies with providers.
QA requires planning, resources and commitment.
Continuous improvement is the goal of a quality assurance process.
Quality systems should ensure and enhance transparency.
Quality systems are context-dependent.
Ownership and understanding of a provider quality system by its management and staff are crucial.

7. QA Guidelines – Core & Sector Specific (Private/ Independent)
Governance and Management of Quality
Documented Approach to QA
Programmes of Education & Training
Development and approval
Learner admission, progression and recognition
Programme monitoring and review
Staff Recruitment, Management and Development
Teaching and Learning
Assessment of Learners
Supports for Learners
Information and Data Management
Public Information and Communication
Other Parties involved in Education and Training
Self-Evaluation, Monitoring and Review

8. Components of a Provider’s Quality Assurance System
Mission
Policy statements showing understanding of responsibilities
Procedures designed to implement the policies
Internal Monitoring System
Self-Evaluation System
Improvement focus

9. Access to Initial Validation of programmes leading to QQI awards
Two stage process:
Stage 1 Approval of QA Procedures
Demonstration of an effective quality assurance system supported by comprehensive procedures.
QQI Policy on QA Guidelines
QQI Core QA Guidelines
QQI QA Guidelines – Sector Specific for Private & Independent Providers
Code of Practice for Provision of Education and Training to International Learners
Policy on Access, Transfer and Progression -

10. Stage 2 Validation of Programmes
Demonstrate compliance with the policies and criteria as set out in:
QQI Policies and Criteria for the Validation of Programmes of Education and Training

13. Capacity of the provider
Scope of provision
NFQ levels and award types, fields of learning, target learners, numbers of learners, location.
Capacity of the provider
Be an established legal entity, with education and training as a principal function.
Have sufficient resources as well as corporate, structural and internal quality assurance systems in place to sustainably provide education and training programmes that can be submitted for QQI validation.
Demonstrate their ability to design, develop, provide and review programmes.

14. ELE Awards Standards:
For Teaching English as a Foreign Language at NFQ Levels 6-9
QQI Awards Standards for Pre-Higher Education Foundation Awards for International Students

15. Fees
Submission of QA Procedures: HET €10,000 FET / ELE €5,000 Standard Validation: HET programmes leading to major awards €10,000 HET programmes leading to non-major awards €5,000 FET / ELE programmes leading to major awards €2,000 FET / ELE programmes leading to non-major awards €1,000

16. ELE Development Project
Title: Establishing a relationship between the NFQ and the CEFRL for the development of language awards standards, and a route for ELE programme validation
Project team:
External experts: Professor Barry O’Sullivan; Joe Sheils; Dr Fiona Farr; Mary Kenny; Justin Quinn, Peter Loftus, Ian Brangan
QQI: Peter Cullen, Sue Hackett, Roisin Sweeney, John O’Connor, Barbara Kelly

17. Intended Deliverables
Proposals on the incorporation of the CEFRL within the NFQ as a dimension for description of language competences
Identification of further ELE specific documentation needed
An approach to the development of ELE award standards

18. QA Policy
‘…. each provider …. shall establish procedures in writing for quality assurance for the purposes of establishing, ascertaining, maintaining and improving the quality of education, training and related services the provider provides.’
(QQAI, Education and Training Bill, 2011)

19. Documented Curriculum
The documented curriculum is the keystone of the evaluative process – external and internal.
Focus on all provision – ‘whole school’ evaluation
General management
Academic management
Teaching and Learning
Client / student services
The learning environment

20. ACELS monitoring inspections
Stage 1:
Documentation check incl DCF
Stage 2:
Site visit: 2 inspectors
From 2017, organisations with more than 11 classes going on, have a 2-day inspection
Stage 3:
Report moderation
Recognition Committee decision

21. ACELS ELE QA Scheme:
Review of 2016
2017 going forward

22. ELE Enhancement Conference 2017
Update ….

23. Questions?