Have you heard about The Partnership for 21 Century Skills?
So, since 2002 there has been an organization consisting of members from various educational, government, computer and software, communications, entertainment, and assessment organizations dedicated to infuse “21st century skills” into our K-12 classrooms? Why have I not heard of them until now? Granted, I have not actively searched for such organizations, but neither did I actively search for other advocacy groups that have crept into my consciousness since I entered the educational area (as a teacher and as a textbook editor).
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) focuses on 21st century skills, but those explicit skills are different than I expected. While there is a technology component (see ITC Literacy on the FAQ page), it does not seem to be the dominant skill set behind the organization. Their explicit content revolves around global awareness; Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; Civic literacy; and Health and wellness awareness – all absolutely relevant and necessary, but a little unexpected given their moniker (I really expected everything to be based on technology).
I do wonder what this organization’s perspective is on the potential national core standards being developed, in part, by The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center). It is a bit surprising that I could not find mention of that initiative on the P21 site (if it exists on the site, it is buried) given its purpose and goal. It seems that the two organizations could benefit from each other’s input.
The goals of this organization could promote higher achievement through stronger focus on relevant and important academic areas. The resources could promote higher expectations from both teachers and students, which could, in turn, promote higher achievement in and out of the classroom.
What do you think.
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I too have never heard about this group that advocates for educators to enhance skills that are needed for the 21st Century. I wondered when I came across the website also, who and where is the research based upon the findings in this website. I posted on my blog, that "Core Subjects" as identified by the 21st Century website was in my opinion not a complete list. I too expected to see more based on technology within the classroom to help promote skills needed for students in the 21sts Century, since this does seem to be where the focus is at when it comes to the professional world.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of ITEA (International Technology Education Association), I have come across quite a few organizations dedicated to promoting technology in the classroom. My degree is in Technology Education, but not once did I ever think that I would be dealing with so much more technology than I could handle. I still remember the days of the Sony Walkman, now I am dealing with iPods and iPhones.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I have never felt that getting the word out about technology has ever been critical. Only now are we realizing that something needs to change. However, I do not believe that everything needs to be done by a computer. Learning math without a calculator, hand writing a letter, looking in a dictionary to spell a word. All special skills that I think all students should have. You can not promote higher achievement if you let the technology do all of the thinking.
I've never heard of them until now or maybe I did in passing conversation, but not to the point where I rushed right to my computer to look them up. Their mission of having students be globally aware while learning to use their skills to communicate to the world is a worthy endeavor. I don't understand why there aren't more states on board or why there hasn't been more PR to promote their agenda. There are big players involved here, the site didn't say to what extent, but they need to invest their resources in the schools. They could probably find a way to write it off.
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