Values Extract from the Curriculum

Here's the relevant page from the draft curriculum (whole thing available here from tki.org.nz, a 2.2mb pdf): Values Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important or desirable. They are expressed in the ways in which people think and act. Every decision relating to curriculum or programmes and every interaction that takes place in a school reflects the values of the individuals involved and the collective values of the institution. The values outlined in this curriculum are those that the New Zealand community supports because they enable us to live together and thrive in a diverse, democratic society in the twenty-first century. New Zealand students are encouraged to value: *excellence, by aiming high and by persevering in the face of difficulties. *innovation, enquiry, and curiosity, by thinking creatively, critically, and reflectively; *diversity, as found in our different cultures, languages and heritages; *respect for themselves, for others, and for human rights; *equity, which means fairness and social justice; *community and participation for the common good; *care for the environment (the Earth and its interrelated eco-systems); *integrity, which involves being honest, responsible, and accountable and acting ethically. The specific ways in which these values find expression in an individual school will be guided by dialogue between the school and its community. They should be evident in the school’s philosophy, structures, curriculum, classrooms, and relationships. When the school community has developed strongly held and clearly articulated values, those values are likely to be expressed in everyday actions and interactions within the school. Through their learning experiences, students will learn about: *their own values and those of others; *different kinds of values, such as moral, social, cultural, aesthetic, and economic values; *the values on which New Zealand’s cultural and institutional traditions are based; *the values of other peoples and cultures. Through their learning experiences, students will develop their ability to: *express their own values; *explore, with empathy, the values of others; *critically analyse values and actions based on them; *discuss disagreements that arise from differences in values and negotiate solutions; *make ethical decisions and act on them. The point that every interaction that takes place in a school reflects the values of the individuals involved and the collective values of the institution is what I was aiming at in my last post. And the added goal of critically analyse values and actions based on them must surely reassure the chronically anxious or knee-jerky. If the goal is to teach students to think critically about values, the only people who need be worried are those whose values don't stand up to a bit of critical thinking.