21st Century Learning

Currently I am enrolled in a master’s program through the Walden University. Through this program I discovered a website, Partnership for 21st Century Skills. www.21stcenturyskills.org. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills urges business, education, and government leaders to join this effort, think strategically about implementing 21st century skills into learning, and work long-term to create an education system that best prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s workplace. P21 Leadership States design new standards, assessments, and professional development programs that prepare students with the 21st century skills they need to be successful in school, work, and life. To become a P21 Leadership State, a state demonstrates commitment from the governor and chief state school officer and submits an application to P21 that describes the state’s plan to revise standards, create assessments and implement 21st century skills professional development programs.
This very good website marries the ideas of how to implement what our employers need with what our students are learning. I found it a good resource and a sort of wishbook for what our schools and classrooms might look like to better prepare out children to compete not only in our workforce at home but in this ever expanding, ever smaller global community workforce. Please remember, I said wishbook. Without support or mandates from the US Federal Government, it is difficult to hold local schools to these standards. Currently only eleven states are currently part of this partnership. It is interesting to me that NCLB set certain standards for education but states are free to arrive at these. I think when we are all on the same page nationally then truly the playing field will be more level…certainly groups like Partnership for 21st Century Skills are stepping out to help make this happen for our young people.