Curriculum Framework

New Brunswick’s curriculum is more than course lists and learning expectations — it’s a system of linked frameworks that shape what we teach, how we teach it, and why learning matters. The following enablers for success are embedded across the Holistic Curriculum Framework to support equitable and empowering curriculum implementation from the ground up: Digital Literacy and Technologies, Universal Design for Learning, Principles for Assessment, and Teacher and Student Voice.

Digital Literacy and Technologies

Technology is rapidly reshaping our daily lives. Proficiency in navigating, engaging with, and working within the digital environment is essential for learners’ future success. As a result, educational systems are evolving to meet these changes.

Effective learning design with AI isn’t about choosing to use it or avoid it—it’s about knowing when and why to use each approach. Learning with, through, about, and without AI helps build capable, thoughtful, and independent learners. Together, these modes ensure students not only leverage AI tools, but also understand them, question them, and develop the skills to succeed beyond them.

• Learning with AI: Students use AI as a thinking partner to generate ideas, receive feedback, and co-create while maintaining ownership of their work.
• Learning through AI: AI systems personalize learning experiences, offering adaptive pathways and immersive simulations to deepen understanding.
• Learning about AI: Students explore how AI works and examine its ethical, societal, and real-world implications.
• Learning without AI: Intentional AI-free moments build independence, critical thinking, and resilience through productive struggle.

MORE INFO >

Principles for Assessment

Assessment guides learning. Effective assessment is an ongoing, strengths-based process that helps learners understand where they are in their learning, where they are going, and what they can do next. Through meaningful tasks, feedback, reflection, and revision, assessment supports learner growth, agency, and success.

Assessment, evaluation, and reporting are interconnected but distinct practices. Together, they provide a fuller picture of learning and help educators make informed decisions that recognize growth, value the learning process, and respond to the strengths, experiences, and needs of the whole learner.

The five Principles for Assessment and Evaluation support effective classroom practice:

• Skill Development and Learning Process: Recognize and support the development and application of skills over time.
• Trust and Risk-Taking: Create safe, positive environments where learners can take risks, learn from mistakes, reflect, and revise.
• Feedback Cycles: Engage learners through clear goals, meaningful feedback, dialogue, and self-assessment.
• Meaningful Evidence: Gather multiple forms of evidence to make fair, valid, and transparent decisions about learning.
• The Whole Learner: Consider each learner’s strengths, experiences, cultures, interests, goals, and ways of demonstrating understanding.

MORE INFO >

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports the design of flexible, inclusive learning environments where every learner can access, engage with, and demonstrate their learning in meaningful ways. By recognizing learner variability from the outset, UDL helps educators proactively remove barriers while maintaining high expectations for every learner.

The goal of UDL is to develop learner agency by providing flexible pathways for learning. Through purposeful planning, educators can build on learners’ strengths, interests, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences while creating more accessible and responsive learning environments.

• Multiple Means of Engagement: Provide different ways for learners to connect with learning, sustain motivation, make choices, and feel included — the WHY of learning.
• Multiple Means of Representation: Present information in multiple, accessible and culturally relevant ways that honour learner strengths and support understanding — the WHAT of learning.
• Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Provide different ways for learners to communicate, demonstrate their learning, set goals, and monitor their progress — the HOW of learning.

MORE INFO >

Teacher and Student Voice

Successful learning happens when both teachers and students have a voice. The New Brunswick Curriculum Framework recognizes that students bring valuable experiences, ideas, and perspectives to the classroom, while teachers use their professional knowledge to create meaningful learning opportunities. By encouraging collaboration, feedback, and shared decision-making, teacher and student voice helps build engaging, inclusive learning environments where learners feel valued, empowered, and connected to their education.

MORE INFO >