Literacy of 21st century skills will ultimately determine whether today’s students will have the knowledge to be prepared to live, learn, work and interface in an environment drenched with technology. The partnership for 21st century skills suggests that educational decision makers must acknowledge that the academics of yesterday are not adequate for preparing students to be proficient when using technology of today.
“In education we need to think about preparing students intensively to collaborate” (Laureate Education., Inc., 2008). The mission of The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is to form collaborate efforts of several educators, businesses, communities and government leaders to inspire action within classrooms across the United States with 21st century skills. Those skills include critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, teamwork/collaboration, leadership, creativity/innovative thinking, lifelong learning, self-direction, professionalism, ethics, and social responsibility among other such skills. It is fundamental that they added these skills that are necessary for the 21st century with the core subjects that need to be taught and that also correspond with what students are already learning.
I am surprised to see that only 14 states are considered to be P21 Leadership States which are committed to revising state standards, assessments, and professional development to incorporate the teaching and practice of these 21st century skills. On a positive note, I was pleasantly surprised to see the resources that were available to teachers. This organization has provided teachers with tools that will help us integrate 21st century skills into education without having to rewrite the curriculum. They have supplied educators with standards, assessments, student outcomes, and support systems. (www.21centuryskills.org)
This inspires me to provide my students with an education that promotes the 21st century skills they need for the future. We cannot expect students to leave school with simply basic knowledge skills. We educators need to encourage expert thinking and communication. “If you’re going to change schools you have to have a vision for it” (Miners & Pascopella, 2007, p.2).
Students today are expected to know more than just reading, writing, and math skills. We need to encourage students to become lifelong learners and focus on their creativity, expert thinking skills, communication, and collaboration. Technology can effectively teach these skills so our students can be successful in today’s workforce and economy.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Skills for the 21st century. [Motion Picture]. Understanding the impact of technology on education, work and society. Baltimore: Author.
Miners, Z., & Pascopella, A. (2007). The new literacies. District Administration, 43(10), 26–34.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2009). http://www.21stcenturyskills.org
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I was also surprised to see only a few states listed as leadership states. I have been trying to find the connection between these states and why others would not be involved. Anyone have the answer?
ReplyDeleteMy other comment is based on the overwhelming task ahead for teachers as more is packed in the limited time students are in the classroom. We need people looking into the logistics of fitting in more material and what gets eliminated. Or is now the time to extend the learning day?
I too was very surprised more states were not involved. My yearly evaluation has a "Technology" section on it. It is so easy to fulfill the criteria it is embarrassing. I have always received full credit in that area and my first few years all I had to do was use the overhead projector. Until states are tested in these areas and a good result means money, why would states want to put more on their plates?
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