Principles
1. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity in education ensures fairness in terms of access, equal opportunity, and the allocation of resources for learning, whereas diversity recognizes that people are different, reflected in factors such as race, culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, age, and family or socioeconomic status. Inclusion fosters learning environments characterized by belonging and support, where people feel their voices are heard and valued. Through a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, high-quality learning will be accessible to everyone, in every context.
2. Responsivity
A responsive education system can adapt to changing external factors and adopt innovative ways of thinking and practices that can address the evolving needs of students, society, and the workforce. In strengthening the NL education system, ongoing reflection, assessment, and evaluation are needed to ensure effectiveness at all levels from teaching to curriculum design, to assessment, and the allocation of resources. Through evidence-driven data, alignment and integration of education, economic, health, and social outcomes will ensure continuous improvement and transformation of the education system.
3. Strength-based Approaches
Education that is strength-based nurtures and values learners’ existing strengths, talents, and interests. With a focus on creating positive and supportive learning environments and personalized learning, learners develop confidence and resilience and experience success. By focusing on what learners and education systems and sub-systems do well, learners are well-prepared to experience success today and in the future.
4. Sustainability
Sustainable approaches to education, teaching, and learning need to recognize education as a social determinant of health and how education interconnects with complex economic, environmental, and social factors that influence the well-being of individuals. Learners explore ethical questions and issues, in a range of learning contexts, as they relate to areas such as climate change, harnessing digital technology, and addressing issues of social justice. Examining how systems influence and interact is needed by learners so they may analyze complex interrelationships; understand the implications of human actions on ecological, social, and economic systems; and engage in civic action for a more sustainable future.
5. Technology
Technology refers to a wide range of tools and systems such as the internet, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices that may be used to store and share ideas and information to promote communication, connectivity, and productivity.
Ensuring awareness and understanding of how technology may be adopted safely, responsibly, and ethically will foster improved digital technology and further opportunities to empower and include individuals, while advancing cultural exchange, innovation, economic and social growth, and learning in real-world contexts.
