7 Key Principles & Approaches

Literacy & Identity Connections

Use literacy as the means to develop and form strong cultural identity, which translates to learning, achievement and engagement

Root Issues

Diagnose root issues/causes that inhibit learning and engagement; and adopt strategies that address and correct core issues (e.g., counter-narratives, dialectical/generative dialog)

Action Research

Use participatory action research methods to build and support critical inquiry and self-study for children and adults alike

Value-Driven Approach

Adopt a value-driven stance to take an aspirational view and understanding of children/families, helping them build self-efficacy and self-agency

Parent & Community Engagement

Differentiate involvement from engagement and adopt strategies that engage parents in providing cultural education and community building, for themselves and their children

Cultural Learning Space

Integrate learning content, learning structures, mood and setting in the learning space--and people in the space--to impact and deepen learning

Self-Determination

Support children and families to become competent in their own culture and history, while building consciousness in/of heritage