AssessorsAssessors

A nationally consistent approach to certification must maintain uniformity of standards and judgements across the nation, while being able to be implemented at scale in the diverse contexts in which Australian teachers work. To ensure national consistency, rigor and quality of certification, certifying authorities certify teachers against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), using assessors of the highest quality who successfully complete the national Assessor Training Program (ATP) developed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

• Assessors will assess an applicant’s achievements against the APST to determine if they meet the required standard to be certified as a Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher.
• Assessors are trained in the certification and assessment process and will have the expertise to assess against the APST at the relevant career stage and in the applicant’s context.
• Assessors for Catholic School Authorities (CSAs) will be identified, selected and supported by their relevant Principal and CSA.
• Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) will co-ordinate and manage Assessor training in conjunction with the QCT.
• Assessors must continue to meet the eligibility criteria and conditions to be appointed to undertake assessments.
• Assessors must have a minimum of nine years successful teaching and/or education experience, including some of which must have been undertaken in a Catholic school setting within the last five years.
• Assessors must successfully complete all required Assessor training within the timeframe set by the QCT before being appointed.
• Assessors for the Catholic Sector in Queensland must have undertaken their Assessor training through the Queensland College of Teachers.
• Trained assessors will form part of a ‘community of practice’, a pool of CSA Assessors who will be used to undertake assessments of HALT applications.
• QCEC will seek to deploy all Assessors in the pool once before offering a second deployment to an Assessor, to limit the impact of absence on schools hosting Assessors and to make best use of all qualified Assessors.
• Trained Assessors will also undertake the Refresher Training Program every two years. This involves a day of refresher training and/or completion of the Assessor Modules when an Assessor has not assessed a portfolio in the previous assessment year.

• Assessors must hold current full registration with Queensland College of Teachers.
• Assessors must be employed by a Queensland CSA (unless retired). Assessors must be employed by a Queensland CSA (and if retired would be recruited according to identified needs).
• Assessors must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Assessors must not currently be subject to formal performance management processes.
• Assessors must have a minimum of nine years successful teaching and/or education experience, including some of which must have been undertaken in a Catholic school setting within the last five years.
• Assessors must successfully complete all required Assessor training within the timeframe set by the QCT before being appointed.
• Assessors for the Catholic Sector in Queensland must have undertaken their Assessor training through the Queensland College of Teachers.
• Trained assessors will form part of a ‘community of practice’, a pool of CSA Assessors who will be used to undertake assessments of HALT applications.
• QCEC will seek to deploy all Assessors in the pool once before offering a second deployment to an Assessor, to limit the impact of absence on schools hosting Assessors and to make best use of all qualified Assessors.
• Trained Assessors will also undertake the Refresher Training Program every two years. This involves a day of refresher training and/or completion of the Assessor Modules when an Assessor has not assessed a portfolio in the previous assessment year.

• Assessment Stage 1: 12-15 hours assessing the collection of evidence, referee contact, conferring with another Assessor as required and writing a Stage 1 report.
• Assessment Stage 2: Approximately one day to undertake observation of practice and 2-3 hours for professional discussions, report writing and to provide recommendation.
• Unsuccessful HALT applicants at Stage 1 do not progress to Stage 2.
• An Assessor in the pool will be appointed to undertake each individual applicant’s assessment taking into consideration: geographical location of the Assessor/applicant, conflict of interest issues and compatibility of Assessor/applicant (i.e. area of expertise, specialisation, level, etc.).
• Principals will need to be prepared to support an Assessor in their school to undertake the training and participate in the assessment processes required in the role in acknowledgement of the potential value to the school in having a trained Assessor on staff.
• An important role of CSA Assessors is to assist with raising understanding and promoting the certification process among teachers in Catholic schools.

• Meet all Assessor eligibility criteria.
• Successfully complete the AITSL National Assessor Training Program presented by the QCT. This will require completion of online modules and three days of face-to-face training (approximately 50 hours in total).
• Undertake assessment of applications for certification in keeping with the requirements of the National Certification process.
• Complete required documentation and reporting for Stages 1 and 2 of the certification process.
• Provide written reports, to the QCT, at Assessment Stage 1 and 2 of the certification process.
• Participate in all moderation activities as required by the QCT and/or AITSL.
• Comply with all lawful instructions in performing their duties and perform all duties diligently, honestly and to the best of their ability.
• Maintain confidentiality, report any potential conflict of interests, act ethically and carry out all duties in a professional manner.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with CSAs, other Assessors, the QCT and QCEC.
• Maintain current full registration with QCT.