The 3Es of Alberta’s Future Education

Facilitated by a 22-member Steering Committee, “Inspiring Education” outlines an

optimistic vision regarding an overdue transformation of Alberta’s education system. By the year

2030, contemporary approaches will encourage students to embrace the 3Es of education:

engaged thinking, ethical citizenship and entrepreneurial spirit, supported by the 6 core values

(opportunity, fairness, citizenship, choice, diversity and excellence). These qualities and

attitudes will be promoted in learners of all situations and backgrounds, allowing the external

community (i.e. post-secondary institutions and businesses) to become extensively involved with

advocating accessible education. Embracing technology as a learning tool and focusing on the

students’ needs for personal growth are designed to promote the significance of lifelong learning

and inquiry. The report offers a renewed goal for accountable teachers, placing a heavier

emphasis on nurturing the passions and interests of the student by allowing flexibility and open

exchanges in a variety of learning environments.

As our information age demands and thrives on the accumulation and discovery of new

knowledge, future students must be technologically adept, open-minded when solving problems

and welcome to new innovations. In this model, competitiveness, risk-taking and diversity are

celebrated. When the aging and retiring Alberta population is factored, these qualities frame the

elements required to succeed in a consistently progressive workforce and society. The 3Es are

designed to aid students in pursuing their passions and interests, potentially translating into post-

secondary education which is becoming an overwhelming requirement for many occupations.

With strong decision-making skills and perseverance, adults of 2030 will be contributing to an

optimistic, economically prosperous Alberta, conscious of the constantly changing world and

arising problems. For the University of Calgary, enrolment and interest in post-secondary studies

may rise around the period of 2030 as a result of this transformation, increasing the significance

of learning and obtaining a degree as a gateway into the workforce. Specifically, by instilling the

qualities of the 3Es in children, future interest in the Haskayne School of Business may also be

directly affected as a result of promoting entrepreneurial spirit (which include students’ abilities

to adapt and take risks in a constantly environment), ethical behaviour (fundamental in business

exchanges) and engagement with technology and communication.