The partnership for 21st century skills is a website that advocates infusing 21st century skills into education. The organization brings together the buisiness world, educational leaders and policy makers all in the name of creating valuble standards to bring to light the need for these higher level skills and incorporation of technology in today's curriculum.
The site is very will organized with tons of valuable information. The highlights listed in the center show the accolades the site has earned as well as news on events and curriculum matters that are new to the table. There are some good links in the tools and resources section that would be great for an interactive staff development. I found information on the state in which I teach, West Virginia. We are one of a few states that have a state implimented plan for initiating 21st century skills to prepare our students for the work world that will await them. It seems like good plans but they would be great plans if they were implimented to thier fullest. With test scores at the focus of every district 21st century skills can fall through the cracks. I would love to say that our state is a leader in 21st century skills but as always there is so much more that could be done. I think that the P21 site is a great resource for teachers it provides a lot of information that may bring teachers around to jump on the 21st century band wagon.
The website is an excellent source for teachers. I do agree, their is such an emphasis put on standardized testing that I could see the 21st century skills fall through the cracks as well. There are so many great tools out their for teachers, it is unfortunate that we do not have a more training and funds for our schools to do more workshops and professional develipment on tools like the 21st century skills.
ReplyDeleteThe webiste is full of information that can be useful to teachers, administrators and even parents. I am curous to know, since you live in one of the states that has implemented the skills for the 21st century, how does it work in the schools? Do you see any improvment in the knowledge and abilities of your students? Have scores improved?
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to work well so far. I think in the future after more time passes we will be able to tell more. So far so good.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely jealous that your state has started to implement 21st century skills in the classroom. Although I know many teachers in my state, Maryland, do infuse the instruction of 21st century skills in the classroom, it would be great for the entire state to catch on. If these are the skills that our students will need in order to become successful in tomorrow's business world, then why aren't we doing everything in our power to give them every tool for success? Hopefully this partnership will catch the eye of some of the educational "big-wigs" in Maryland so they can get the ball rolling.
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Carman, I taught in Montgomery Co. Maryland 3 years ago. I am not sure if they implemented the 21st century skills or not. Guess not since I didn't know :). What do you do differently now that you are implementing them? Do you see a difference? I am teaching in Delaware now and my school district is doing away with the current state test that we have because of the budget crisis that we are in and they are going to implement something different. Sounds like a good time to look into the instruction of 21st century skills. I want to do whatever it takes to prepare the kids and I am will to try something new!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the replies. The implimentation seems like a very slow process. It started with teachers being required to impliment at least two 21st century skill objectives and lessons. This year I believe that we are required to impliment them all. The objectives seem very broad. The state has implimented a web application called techsteps that covers objectives for all elementary level students. There has also been the implimentation of teach 21 a website of resouces for technology on the original state CSO's. It is a great start and can be very efficient when teachers are willing to put in the time, as usual training is not substantial and it takes a lot of time and planning on the teachers part. I would love to hear from someone in one of the other states that this has been implimented to compare and contrast.
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