In response to an independent review of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), this second and final stage of the report looked at the structure, operations, technology, governance, culture and capability of the VCAA. It makes 11 recommendations and the Government has accepted all recommendations.

The report finds that the VCAA requires renewal in almost all areas of its operations. It finds that the interests of Victoria’s students and their families would best be served by reforming the VCAA to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible rather than shifting the VCAA’s responsibilities to the Department of Education.

Recommendations

1. Retain the VCAA as a Statutory Authority.
2. Strengthen governance focus of the Board on key reforms and refreshed oversight committees.
3. Clarify the VCAA’s relationship with the Department of Education.
4. Establish a sustainable VCAA budget.
5. Implement structural changes to strengthen accountability and refocus the organisation on critical capability uplifts.
6. Reset organisational leadership, capabilities and culture, commencing with a progressive spill-and-fill of senior roles.
7. Critically review and redesign operating policies and processes.
8. Continue strengthening examination processes end-to-end with a focus on stronger process management in the early stages and enhanced integrity controls.
9. Establish a clear technology roadmap with priority focussing on the most critical operational risks.
10. Reset external stakeholder relationships and strengthen the focus on external ‘customer’ needs.
11. Maintain an Independent Monitor for a further 12 months or until the Minister is satisfied that the VCAA has the systems and processes to undertake its functions effectively.