21st Century Skills: Will Our Students be Prepared?

By Judy Salpeter

Presented by Dana Craig, J.F., and L. R.

Partnership for 21st Century published a report entitled Learning for 21st Century which states that schools should focus on six key elements that will prepare students for success in the 21st Century.

• Core Subjects

• Learning Skills

• 21st Century Skills

• 21st Century Context

• 21st Century Content

• New Assessments that measure 21st Century skills.

Core Subjects

• The author reaffirms the importance of the core subjects as identified by the No Child Left Behind Act.

Learning Skills

• Students need to know how to use their knowledge by using their critical thinking skills.

• Students must be able to:

– Analyze Information

– Comprehend New Ideas

– Communicate Ideas

– Solve Problems

– Make Conclusions

21st Century Tools

• It is important to understand that technology “is and will continue to be, a driving force in workplaces and in personal lives.”

21st Century

• 21st Century Context

• Students should learn the essential skills that they will need in the real world.

• 21st Century Content

• Authors believe that certain vital content is missing from many state and local standards that are vital to a students success.

New Assessment that measure 21st Century Skills

• Standardized testing

• Traditional tests with classroom assessment

• Using Technology based assessment to deliver immediate feedback.

NCLB & 21st Century

Contradictory or Complementary?

Basic Skills Revisited

• Going beyond basic reading, writing, and computing skills.

• “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn and relearn.”

The Role of Technology

• Incorporation of computers, telecommunications, audio/video media in the classroom.

• Technology is is an important aspect of learning

• Despite budget cuts that may interfere with school funding for technology, support for technology still needs to be present

21st Century Learning Skills

• Thinking & problem solving skills

• Critical Thinking & Systems Thinking

• Problem identification, formulation, solution

• Creativity & intellectual curiosity

• Information and Media skills

• Communication Skills

• Interpersonal & collaborative skills

• Self-direction

• Accountability & adaptability

• Social responsibility

9 Steps to Building Momentum

9 steps1. Embrace a powerful

vision of public education that includes 21st century skills.

2. Align leadership, management, and resources with educational goals.

3. Use the MILE Guide to assess where schools are now.

4. Develop priorities for 21st century skills.

5. Develop professional development plan.

6. Make sure students have equal access to 21st century education.

7. Develop assessments.

8. Collaborate with outside partners.

9. Plan collectively and strategically for the future.

Implications

• Importance of teacher education as well as student– Being able to teach effectively and adapt to new

technology to achieve the greatest student benefit

– Creatively implement technology– Necessity of staying current with technology

For Further Information

• Partnership for 21st Century Skills– www.21stcenturyskills.org