I recently spent some time perusing a website that focuses on 21st Century Skill readiness for students. (The Partnership for 21st Century Skills.) This site aims to help the U.S. education system produce students who are ready for the world they will enter once there are finished with school. Some of its main focal points are thinking critically, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation.
One of the first things that I came across while looking over this website was a tab devoted to providing tools and resources for educators and districts. While exploring this tab, I came across a MILE Guide (Milestones for Innovative Learning and Education), which will look at a school district and tell them basically how they are doing with regard to teach their students the necessary 21st Century Skills. I also was surprised to see which organizations participate in this cause, among them, Apple Computer, Inc., Microsoft, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Upon reviewing the information provided on this website, including their mission statement and goals, it is evident that their ultimate goal is to encourage the education system to produce valuable citizens who will ultimately become our workers and leaders of tomorrow. I did notice that my state, Pennsylvania, is not included among the list of state initiatives and I plan to look into the reasoning behind this.
I believe that this resource is worth further exploration. As a teacher who aims to ultimately promote students who will become effective citizens, I think that the goals of this particular organization reflect many of my own goals. Take some time to check out this website when you can!
This was a great post. I agree that the organizations push for skills such as critical thinking and problem solving be taught along the basics is important. We need to prepare our current students to be productive members of society. I also found it interesting that so many big name corporations were involved in the initiative, especially since it will benefit their finances and future employees.
ReplyDeletelbadams...
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing the site, I found the resources to be helpful for those who have not heard of "Partnership for 21st Century Skills." I found the resources listed under "Route 21" were most beneficial because they are categorized by the parts listed under the framework such as the content areas and global awareness just to name to name a few. My state does not participate in this movement, though I do see characteristics of "Partnership for 21st Century Skills" being integrated into our curriculum. This site is definitely worth further exploring. I am most interested in finding the snapshot videos that are on the site that shows P21 in action in the classrooms.
Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI too agree that is website can be very beneficial for educators to help themselves and their students. I also noticed the tab dedicated to professional development for teachers. A lot of times we are told to teach our students certain things, but they forget to provide the educators with the resources in preparing ourselves to teach whatever it is to our students. This website is a great tool that I know I will definitely continue to research.
-Amy
Hello Heidi,
ReplyDeleteThoughtful posting.
I find that more than ever before, critical thinking and self-directed skills are vital for students if they are to take their place as responsible citizens in the 21st century.
As I often tell students, facts may change as society advances and obtains new information--so one can never stop learning or stop questioning. Knowing how to ask questions and where to find answers will ultimately be the most valuable skill they will take away from the classroom.
Susan