"Our performance in PISA has declined at the same time that our performance in NCEA has risen."
He said critics of the review might have overlooked that the Ministerial Advisory Group's announcements are part of a consultation process, not a decision.
"The Minister is asking the public for solutions. I predict that public concern about student wellbeing, deeper learning, and holistic education will emerge, with the majority of parents and educators requesting reduced assessment at Year 11."
Havelock North High School principal Greg Fenton supports a review which addresses the over-assessment that has become part of NCEA, and focuses on more powerful learning as opposed to assessment workload.
"While I am a fan of NCEA in that it enables the evaluation of skills and competencies, the whole system has evolved into a process of credit gathering. This has seen emphasis on the number of credits, as opposed to the quality of the achievement.
"Hopefully the review will go some way towards addressing these two issues, although I am concerned that the teacher workload issue hasn't been emphasised. I am sure there will be plenty of views expressed."
However, he did question whether the current balance of assessment between internal and external assessment will be lost at Level 1 if the proposed changes go ahead.
"While recognising that some things are not best assessed by an exam, at least the current structure provided an opportunity for students to learn how to prepare for and sit an exam.
"Such skills are required when they encounter exams in further education, or in the workforce. These skills are only improved through sitting exams. Sure there will be anxiety associated with the nature of sitting an exam, but a little stress is good for all of us and contributes to the building of resilience."
The proposed review would halve the number of credits at Level 1, focus on less assessment and get rid of external exams. Instead students would pick a project for the year and concentrate on improving literacy and numeracy.
Lindisfarne rector Ken MacLeod supports the review, but believes it seems to be "pushing a particular agenda rather than encouraging open discussion".
"The suggestions about Level 1 NCEA for example seem to have a strong push towards the proposed literacy and numeracy idea.
"In the drive for internal assessment it must not be forgotten that examinations are still a very valid way to test a range of skills including thinking and working under pressure."
Tamatea High School principal Robin Fabish is one of the 12 Regional Engagement Leads appointed by the Ministry of Education to support engagement in this consultation.
He welcomes everyone having a voice in the matter. Although some will "agree with the changes, others will be fearful".
"I applaud the Minister's efforts in getting input from students, teachers, whānau, employers and learning institutions.
"I am interested to look at how we can reduce stress on our kids and teachers as a result of over-assessment. Many of our students are focused on credit farming and not enough emphasis is placed on learning what they need to live successful lives.
"Assessment is driving learning rather than a vision of creating good citizens guiding what we do. I welcome the opportunity to review our assessment system."