Why Education Renewal

Many things point to the need for meaningful change in education. Change around the world is driven by exciting new research on how the brain works and how people learn. Learners must not only develop what they know, but also skills, attitudes, and values that will help them be capable people. For this to happen, they need to actively take part in their learning and be motivated by it.

We are in the Information Age. New technology that supports learning is also driving change. New tools allow students to connect with others all over the world. A mountain of information is easily accessible with just the click of a button. The teacher no longer holds all knowledge. They are now a critical coach, showing students how to select, work with, add to and apply information in meaningful ways. 

Many education systems are feeling challenged in having to prepare students for today's fast-changing world. People everywhere are grappling with how to engage students in their learning. Students must develop the knowledge and skills for today and tomorrow's workplace, further education, or training. 

Supporting Research 

There is currently a shift in the way we understand learning.  This shift moves away from an individual focus and moves toward an understanding that connections and relationships are key to learning. 

Research points to wellbeing as vital to success. Education that considers a learner's wellbeing will improve academic achievement. Wellbeing of the whole person includes the physical, emotional, social, intellectual and even spiritual. To best support success, students' environments and experiences must consider all parts of their being.

Like international research and data, NWT data shows that our education system is not currently meeting all of our students’ needs. Education and health indictors show disturbing differences between schools in small and larger communities. Changes to education in the NWT are needed if we are to better meet the different needs of our students and educators.

The following pages provide a summary of the research and data specific to relationships, educators, attendance and more while also providing context and comparisons for what student achievement levels currently look like in the NWT.