7 Key Principles & Approaches

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

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)

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

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

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

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