An education professor says the Government should reconsider the NCEA in the light of worsening scores for New Zealand students in international reading, maths and science tests.
Scores in reading, maths and science have fallen in the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment or Pisa test, after several years of slight decline or no real change.
John O'Neill of Massey University says that result should prompt reconsideration of the NCEA.
He says the assessment system allows students to narrrow their options early in their secondary school careers, and it would be better to have a broader approach.
Professor O'Neill says ideally all students should study science at NCEA level one but only 40% currently do.
