Program Principles

• Equity. Excellence in education requires equity - high expectations and strong support for all students. Equity requires accommodating differences so all students can gain access to worthwhile learning opportunities.

• Teaching and Learning. Effective teaching and learning requires teachers to have an understanding of what students know and then challenging and supporting them to actively build new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge. Effective teaching requires the teacher to be a learner – continually seeking improvement by developing pedagogical content knowledge. Effective teaching requires a challenging and supporting classroom learning environment that promotes learning for understanding.

• Assessment. Assessment should support the learning of important knowledge, skills, and dispositions and furnish useful information to both teachers and students. Assessment should enhance students’ learning and is a valuable tool for making instructional decisions.

• Technology. Technology is essential in teaching and learning; it influences the content that is being taught and enhances students’ learning. Technology can enhance learning and support effective teaching.