IQAS – Internal Quality Assurance System

The Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) of Learning Heroes Tech School is designed to ensure the quality and continuous improvement of all academic and administrative processes. The objectives of the IQAS are aligned with the mission of our institution, which is to empower individuals to become leaders in the exponential era through comprehensive and accessible education.

10.1 Objectives

The objectives of the IQAS are designed to support Learning Heroes’ mission of empowering individuals through comprehensive and accessible education, ensuring that programs are of high quality, innovative, and adapted to student needs. They can be summarized in the following five points:

• Continuous Improvement: Implement a cycle of continuous improvement in all academic and administrative processes to ensure the quality of education. This aligns with our mission to offer comprehensive education adapted to the changing needs of the technological world.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Ensure the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including students, teaching and administrative staff, through feedback mechanisms and continuous evaluation. This objective reinforces our commitment to accessible and relevant education.

• Educational Innovation: Promote innovation in teaching and learning methods, incorporating advanced technologies and innovative pedagogical methodologies.

This is directly related to our mission to train students in disruptive technologies.

• Transparency and Communication: Maintain clear and transparent communication about quality processes, evaluation results, and implemented improvements, ensuring that the entire educational community is informed and committed to quality standards.

• Accreditation and Recognition: Obtain and maintain nationally and internationally recognized quality accreditations, ensuring that our educational programs meet the highest standards.

10.2 Responsible Parties

The Quality Committee (QC) of Learning Heroes Tech School is the body responsible for leading and overseeing the quality assurance process within the institution. The QC will be composed of:

• Chairperson: A tenured professor of the school, who will lead the committee.
• Ex officio members: ○ The Secretary-General.○ The Academic Director.

• Other members: Ex officio members have the right to appoint new members according to the needs of the committee.

Functions of the Quality Committee

The Quality Committee will have the following main functions:

• Design and Implementation of Quality Policies: Develop and implement policies that ensure the educational and administrative quality of the school.

• Evaluation and Monitoring: Conduct periodic evaluations of academic programs and services to ensure their alignment with established quality standards.

• Curriculum Review: Oversee the design, monitoring, and review of curricula to ensure they meet market and academic community needs.

• Training and Development: Promote continuous training for teaching and administrative staff to improve their competencies and skills.

• Communication and Transparency: Ensure clear and transparent communication about quality processes and evaluation results to the entire educational community.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Foster innovation in teaching and learning methods and implement continuous improvements based on evaluations and feedback received.

• Proposals for IQAS Modification: Submit proposals for modification of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) to the Board of Directors for approval.

10.3 Internal Evaluation

Following the ESG 2015 guidelines, internal evaluation must include the following indicators:

ESG 1.1. Quality assurance policy

The main objective is for Learning Heroes Tech School to have a public quality assurance policy integrated into its strategic management. This policy must be developed and applied by internal stakeholders through appropriate structures and processes, also involving external stakeholders.

The process to achieve this objective is divided into several phases:

1. Definition of the quality policy by the Quality Committee (QC), carried out at most every six years.

2. Approval of the policy by the Management Team (MT), also with a maximum periodicity of six years.

3. Implementation of the policy, which includes:

○ Collection of indicators for each program edition.

○ Preparation of an annual self-assessment report with classified improvement actions.

○ External evaluation every six years, if applicable.

○ Implementation of improvement actions for each program edition.4. Annual review of the policy.

The main agents involved are the entire educational community of the School.

The improvement process includes the definition of improvement actions by the QC, a one-year extension for actions not immediately solvable (except deficiencies), and the implementation of deficiencies and solvable actions by the

Operations Department.

Various indicators and evidence are defined to measure the effectiveness of the process, such as the publication of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS), self-assessment reports for each qualification edition, the number of improvement actions detected and implemented, among others.

Stakeholders include students, faculty, employers, and society in general.

Information about the IQAS is published on the School’s website to ensure transparency and access for all interested parties.

ESG 1.2. Design, approval and withdrawal of programmes

ESG 1.2, which focuses on the “Design, approval and withdrawal of programmes,” ensures that Learning Heroes Tech School has robust processes to create, approve, and, if necessary, eliminate academic programmes. The main objective is to ensure that programmes meet educational objectives, including expected learning outcomes, and that the qualification obtained is clearly defined and aligned with national and European frameworks.

The process begins with the proposal of a new programme, followed by a feasibility analysis by the academic direction and the dean’s office. If viable, management conducts a financial analysis. The dean’s office presents the proposal to the Board of Directors for final approval.

In the case of state-recognised degrees, authorisation from the Ministry of Higher Education and AQUA is required. Once approved, the academic direction proposes the selection of teaching staff, and the human resources department leads the hiring process. The academic direction also trains the teaching staff in the methodology. Finally, the operations department supervises the execution and proper functioning of teaching activities.

The process of withdrawing a programme begins with a reasoned proposal from the dean to the Board of Directors, which decides on its approval or denial. If approved, the academic direction designs a withdrawal plan that guarantees the rights of enrolled students.

The effectiveness of the process is measured by indicators such as the number of new programmes approved and withdrawn, external evaluations, and compliance with deadlines.

The quality committee reviews these indicators and proposes improvements, which are implemented by the academic or operations direction, as appropriate. All information regarding the design, approval, and withdrawal of programmes is available on the school’s website, ensuring transparency.

ESG 1.3. Student-centred learning, teaching and assessment

Standard ESG 1.3 emphasizes the student-centred approach in relation to learning, teaching, and assessment. This standard details the processes and agents involved in implementing this approach at Learning Heroes Tech School.

The main objective is to ensure that programmes are delivered in a way that encouragesstudents’ active participation in building their own learning process, and that assessment reflects this participation. The institution is committed to respecting and addressing student diversity and individual needs, thus allowing for flexible learning paths. This involves considering and using different teaching modalities and pedagogical methods, evaluating and adjusting them periodically.

The aim is to foster student autonomy while ensuring adequate guidance and support from teaching staff, thereby promoting a relationship of mutual respect. The institution also establishes procedures for managing student complaints and ensures that assessment criteria and methods are published in advance, are coherent, applied impartially, and allow students to demonstrate achievement of the intended learning outcomes.

Indicators and evidence to be used to measure the effectiveness of this approach and mechanisms for implementing improvements based on results and feedback received are also highlighted, thus ensuring a more effective and meaningful learning process focused on student needs and development.

ESG 1.4. Student admission, progression, recognition and certification

Standard ESG 1.4, which addresses student admission, progression, recognition, and certification, is fundamental to ensuring quality and coherence in managing the student lifecycle within Learning Heroes Tech School. This standard details the key processes and agents involved in each phase, from initial access to obtaining the qualification.

The main objective of this standard is to ensure that the institution consistently applies pre-established and published regulations covering all phases of a student’s academic life.

This includes ensuring that admission processes are transparent and equitable, providing necessary support for academic progression, implementing fair recognition procedures for prior qualifications and learning, and ensuring that certification procedures are clear and understandable.

Learning Heroes Tech School is also committed to promoting student mobility through appropriate recognition of non-formal and informal learning, ensuring its procedures are consistent with the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and cooperating with other institutions and agencies to ensure coherent recognition at a national level.

Indicators and evidence to be used to assess the quality and consistency of these processes, as well as mechanisms for implementing improvements based on results and feedback received, are also highlighted.

ESG 1.5. Teaching staff

Learning Heroes Tech School addresses the quality of Teaching Staff (ESG 1.5) with a comprehensive approach that seeks to ensure the competence and continuous development of its faculty. The institution strives to apply transparent and equitable recruitment and hiring processes, selecting candidates with the appropriate qualifications and experience for each program.

Furthermore, Learning Heroes Tech School promotes the continuous professional development of its teaching staff through training programs and other opportunities, thereby fostering innovation in teaching methods and the use of new technologies. The institution also values academic and research activity, strengthening the link between education and research.To ensure teaching quality, Learning Heroes Tech School implements a system of periodic evaluation of teaching performance, which includes class observation and collection of student feedback. These evaluations allow for the identification of areas for improvement and the implementation of specific professional development plans for each professor.

Finally, Learning Heroes Tech School is committed to providing a work environment that allows faculty to perform their duties effectively, fostering collaboration and innovation. The institution also establishes clear procedures for managing complaints and appeals, thereby ensuring fair and transparent treatment for all teaching staff.

ESG 1.6. Learning resources and student support

Standard ESG 1.6, which focuses on Learning Resources and Student Support, is crucial for ensuring that Learning Heroes Tech School provides an optimal and accessible learning environment for all its students. This standard details the key processes and agents involved in ensuring that the institution has adequate funding for learning and teaching activities, and that it provides adequate and easily accessible support resources and services.

The main objective of this standard is to ensure that students have the necessary tools and support to achieve their learning objectives. This includes offering quality physical and digital learning resources, as well as human support through tutors, counsellors, and other advisors. Learning Heroes Tech School is also committed to addressing the needs of a diverse student population and ensuring that support services are adequate for student-centred learning. Indicators and evidence to be used to assess the quality and accessibility of support resources and services, as well as mechanisms for implementing improvements based on results and student feedback, are also highlighted.

In summary, it describes how Learning Heroes Tech School is committed to providing a resource-rich learning environment with comprehensive student support, thereby contributing to the academic and personal success of each individual.

ESG 1.7. Information management

Standard ESG 1.7, which focuses on Information Management, is essential to ensure that

Learning Heroes Tech School effectively uses data and information for decision-making and continuous improvement. This standard details the key processes and agents involved in the collection, analysis, and use of relevant information for the effective management of programs and other institutional activities.

The main objective of this standard is to ensure that Learning Heroes Tech School uses reliable and relevant data to make informed decisions that improve its programs and activities.

This includes collecting data on student profiles and progress, evaluating student satisfaction, and monitoring the effectiveness of learning resources and support. The institution is committed to involving both students and staff in data collection and analysis, and to using

key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of its programs.

Indicators and evidence to be used to assess the quality and use of collected information, as well as mechanisms for implementing improvements based on data analysis and feedback received, are also highlighted.

ESG 1.8. Public information

Standard ESG 1.8, which focuses on Public Information, is crucial for ensuring the transparency and accessibility of information about the activities and programs of LearningHeroes Tech School. This standard details the key processes and agents involved in the publication and dissemination of this information, ensuring it is clear, accurate, objective, up-to-date, and easily accessible to all interested parties.

The main objective of this standard is to ensure that information about Learning Heroes Tech School, including its programs, learning outcomes, teaching and assessment procedures, success rates, and other relevant data, is clearly and accessibly available to the general public, prospective and current students, and other interested parties. The institution is committed to using various dissemination channels, such as the institutional website, to ensure that information is easy to find and understand.

Indicators and evidence to be used to assess the quality and accessibility of published information, as well as mechanisms for implementing improvements based on user feedback and data analysis, are also highlighted. Learning Heroes Tech School is committed to reviewing and validating information before its publication, and to updating it regularly to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

ESG 1.9. Ongoing monitoring and periodic review of programmes

Standard ESG 1.9, which focuses on Ongoing Monitoring and Periodic Review of Programmes,

is essential to ensure that Learning Heroes Tech School maintains the excellence and relevance of its academic programmes over time. This standard details the key processes and agents involved in the monitoring and periodic review of programmes, ensuring that they achieve their stated objectives and respond to the changing needs of students and society.

The main objective of this standard is to ensure that Learning Heroes Tech School’s programmes remain up-to-date and relevant, adapting to the latest research in the discipline and the demands of the labour market. This involves constant monitoring of workload, student progression and completion, as well as an evaluation of the effectiveness of assessment procedures. The institution is also committed to collecting and analysing feedback from students and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the learning environment and support services are adequate.

Indicators and evidence to be used to assess the effectiveness of the programme review and improvement process, such as review reports, satisfaction surveys, and records of implemented improvements, are also highlighted. Learning Heroes Tech School is committed to transparently communicating any planned or undertaken actions resulting from reviews to all interested parties, thereby ensuring their participation and trust in the process.

10.4 External Evaluation

(This section from the EULH.pdf document describes ESG 1.10)

ESG 1.10. Cyclical External Quality Assurance

The main objective of this standard (ESG 1.10) is to ensure that institutions undergo external quality assurance in accordance with the ESG periodically. This process can verify the effectiveness of internal quality assurance, act as a catalyst for improvement, and offer the institution new perspectives, as well as provide information to assure the institution and the public about the quality of the institution’s activities.