In 2023, the Division of Programs and Services adopted the Newfoundland and Labrador Key Competencies as the guiding statements informing curriculum development. As curriculum is developed and renewed, educators will notice a move away from references to the Essential Graduation Learnings which have historically guided curriculum in K-12 Education, and a greater emphasis on the NL Key Competencies.
New and Revised Curriculum:
Newfoundland and Labrador Key Competencies are the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary to prepare learners for a complex and unpredictable future. Together with strong foundations of literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning, as well as disciplinary indicators, these six key competencies contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals. Global competencies are interdependent and interdisciplinary. They can be leveraged in a variety of situations and are developed over time.
Key Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Citizenship and Sustainability
- Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship
- Self-Awareness and Self-Management
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Collaboration
Collaboration involves the interplay of the cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal competencies necessary to participate effectively and ethically in groups. Ever-increasing versatility and depth of skill are applied across diverse situations, roles, groups, and perspectives in order to co-construct knowledge, meaning, and content, and learn from, and with, others in physical and virtual environments.
Learners:
- participate in groups by establishing positive and respectful relationships, developing trust, and acting cooperatively and with integrity
- learn from and contribute to the learning of others by co-constructing knowledge, meaning, and content
- engage actively in various roles within groups
- respect a diversity of perspectives and recognize different sources of knowledge, including Indigenous ways of knowing and learning
- network with a variety of communities/groups and use a rich array of technology appropriately to work with others
- navigate disagreements and conflict in a constructive manner
- demonstrate perspective taking and empathy
- practice social well-being, inclusivity, and belonging for themselves and others
Communication
Communication involves expressing and receiving meaning in a variety of contexts and for a range of audiences and purposes. Effective communication increasingly involves understanding both local and global perspectives respecting societal and cultural contexts; and adapting and changing while using a variety of media appropriately, responsibly, safely, and with regard to one’s digital footprint.
Learners:
- communicate effectively and respectfully in diverse contexts through a variety of modes and media
- communicate using appropriate digital tools, taking care to create a positive digital footprint
- ask questions; voice opinions; and advocate for feelings, ideas, rights, and viewpoints
- listen to and show understanding of and empathy for diverse viewpoints
- gain knowledge about a variety of languages, including Indigenous (i.e., Inuttitut, Innu-aimun, and Mi’kmaq), and understand the cultural importance of language
Citizenship and Sustainability
Citizenship and sustainability involve reflecting on diverse worldviews and perspectives that are crucial to living sustainably in a contemporary, connected, and interdependent world. It also involves the acquisition of knowledge, dispositions, and skills required for engaged citizenship, with an appreciation for the diversity of people and perspectives.
Learners:
- make responsible decisions and take actions that support quality of life for all, now and in the future
- understand ecological, economic, and social forces, their interconnectedness, and how they affect individuals, communities, and countries
- recognize discrimination and promote principles of equity, human rights, and democratic participation
- recognize the traditions, knowledge, and histories of Indigenous peoples, appreciate their historical and contemporary contributions to Canada, and recognize the history and legacy of colonization and residential schools
- learn from and with diverse people and develop cross-cultural understanding
- contribute to society and to the culture of local, national, global and virtual communities in a responsible, inclusive, accountable, sustainable, and ethical manner
- develop positive relationships and participate in networks in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner
Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship
Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship involve the ability to turn ideas into action. The capacity to enhance concepts, ideas, or products to contribute innovative solutions to problems involves leadership, risk-taking, and independent/unconventional thinking. It also involves conducting inquiry research and experimenting with new strategies, techniques, or perspectives. Entrepreneurial mindsets and skills involve a focus on building and scaling an idea sustainably
Learners:
- formulate and express insightful questions and opinions to generate novel ideas
- enhance ideas or products through a creative process to provide innovative or improved solutions to real-life and real-world problems
- contribute solutions to problems in a number of ways, including making discoveries through inquiry research and by hypothesizing and experimenting with new strategies or techniques
- demonstrate leadership, initiative, imagination, creativity, spontaneity, and ingenuity in a range of creative processes; and motivate others with an ethical entrepreneurial spirit
- display curiosity; take risks; identify opportunities for improvement and learning; and believe in their ability to improve while understanding errors are part of the process
- seek and make use of feedback to clarify their understanding, ideas, and products
Self-Awareness and Self-Management
Self-awareness involves becoming aware of one’s identity, efficacy, and belief in oneself as a learner. Self-management involves the ability to identify opportunities, set goals, and establish and monitor plans while adapting to change and adverse conditions. It also includes the capacity to self-regulate, manage one’s holistic well-being, self-assess, and advocate for support in an ever-changing world. Self-awareness and effective self-management support learners to become lifelong learners and personally fulfilled and contributing citizens.
Learners:
- believe in their ability to learn and to make life better for themselves and others
- develop their identity, sense of self, and purpose and consider connection to others and the environment
- develop personal, educational, and career goals; identify opportunities and pathways; monitor their progress; and persevere to overcome challenges.
- adapt to change and are resilient in adverse situations
- develop awareness of, manage, and express their emotions, thoughts, and actions in order to understand themselves and others
- manage their emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being
- self-assess their current level of understanding or proficiency and advocate for support based on their strengths, needs, and learning style
- manage their time, environment, and attention—including their focus, concentration, and engagement
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical thinking and problem solving involve addressing issues and problems by acquiring, processing, interpreting, synthesizing, and analyzing information to make informed judgments and decisions. The capacity to engage in cognitive processes to understand and resolve problems includes the willingness to achieve one’s potential as a constructive and reflective citizen. Learning is deepened when situated in meaningful, real-world, authentic experiences.
Learners:
- solve meaningful, real-life problems by taking concrete steps to address issues and design and manage projects
- identify opportunities and engage in an inquiry process to solve problems
- acquire, process, interpret, synthesize, and critically analyze information to solve problems and make informed decisions
- detect patterns, make connections, and transfer learning from one situation to another, including in real-world applications
- construct, relate, and apply knowledge and skills to school, home, work, friends, and community
- analyze the functions and interconnections of social, economic, and ecological
Older Curriculum:
Older curriculum in K-12 education in Newfoundland and Labrador is based on The Atlantic Canada Framework for Essential Graduation Learning in Schools (1997).