The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has a variety of information to help all people from businesses to policy makers to educators come together to implement 21st century skills. I love the idea that all people should come together to actively get something important done. I was surprised to see a website with more than just educators figuring out how to teach these technological skills to the broader U.S. If we all come together, I believe a lot more can be done about the technological gap in education today. As Dr. David Thornburg discusses, we need to teach the 21st century skills “The whole is more than the sum of it’s parts” (Laurate Inc, 2007). I was also surprised to see that there were only 14 states who have joined this partnership, and Colorado (where I teach) is not one of the states. Perhaps this website should be passed along to our principals who can then pass it on to the higher administration of the school districts. Those who see this website have the responsibility to deliver this information to others. In my opinion, all states, policy makers, administration, teachers need to view this site and jump on board. If everyone works together for the common good, we may begin preparing our young students for the technological changes and 21st century skills that they will need to compete in this global economy. Schools should review the New MILE guide on the Partnership for 21st century skills’ site. The 21st Century Student Outcomes and Support Systems diagram, allowed me to visualize how the holistic view of education in the 21st century should look. As a teacher, I can use this website as a reference to keep current on what other states are doing to lessen the gap. I can also use Route 21 on the Partnership for 21st Century Skills site to find resources I can use in my own classroom. I hope other educators will take this opportunity to discover the possibilities! Click on my blog post title to get connected now!
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Program 10. Skills for the 21st Century. [Motion Picture]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work and Society. Baltimore: Author.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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Wow... I guess this site was really a great eye-opener for you! Fabulous! You have a fabulous review here.
ReplyDeleteDr. L.
Do you think it might be dangerous to have a group, with relatively few educators involved, advocating for educational change? I'm kind of split on this. Honestly, I think some of the most important changes often takes outside pressure to make it happen. But on the other hand, there's a long traditional of "great ideas" being pushed into the system that have no foundation on reality and thus fail terribly.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I love the intention and direction of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I guess I'm more worried that their vision will be lost or destroyed by the institutional bureaucracy. Do you think the Partnership would be stronger or weaker if it had more representation from classroom teachers and political leaders?
Tianna,
ReplyDeleteYour response is very postive and motivational! You and I both felt the same disappointment regarding the fact our states were not members. However, even though PA is not a member, my district has been making great strides in preparing our students for the future. We incorporate programs such as Project Dreams which not only helps students complete a graduation project, but also teaches students study skills, helps them to recognize their career interests, etc. We also have a mandatory course called Career Development which teaches students how to develop professional criteria such as resumes, cover letters, etc. as well as prepares them for the inerview process. One of the other programs we offer is a vocational technical school where students who are interested in particular trades can start training and learning the skills during high school (They go for half a day every day). I know you only teach sixth grade, but I was wondering if students are introduced to skill sets needed later on in life at the middle school level through particular programs as well?
Tianna,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Me and two other teachers are going to sit down with our administration. We are going to discuss the importance of technology. I feel having our administration pass it on to other admin. throughout the state could benefit our state. We are also composing a letter to the governor. In Montana, we are isolated from each other by distance. I think embracing technology could bring districts and businesses closer in Montana. Our governor has been very involved in trying to bring jobs to Montana, but I think with 21st century skills being adopted by our state could mean, we in Montana, could go to the jobs via the internet. This idea of 21st century skills is not only a good idea in our schools, but could make states like Montana more economically viable.
Tianna,
ReplyDeleteI guess I was not that surprised to see that not that many states were listed on the website. Just like education seems to be slow on the uptake with new technology, I think it can be also somewhat slow to embrace new ideas or idealogy. I guess awareness and proof of success will be the way in which we can get more states to see what is going on and why it is important. I agree with you that those of us who have seen this website and have discussed its implications are probably the ones who should be passing it on and advocating for people to read it and think about the possibilities. Honestly, who can argue with bringing a community together to discuss what skills students need to be developing in order to be successful. These bussiness and community leaders are their future mentors and employers, and to me, this can only help our students become more prepared.
Hi Tianna,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100 percent regarding the fact that we as educators must pass information about this site along as well as the need to implement 21st century skills into our teaching. I noticed that my state, Connecticut, was not listed as a state with an initiative and that really surprised me. I think that much of the information on this site is for administrators and district leaders and would serve as a great resource for their implementation of 21st century skills into the curriculum. As teachers, we need to advocate for the needs of our students and hope that our voices will be heard. As a team leader for my own school, I will absolutely pass this information on to my principal.