As educators we often hear the term 21st century skills, but do we know the real meaning of it? As part of my masters program at Walden University I have learned about the urgent need to teach 21st century skills to our students. Because we live in an increasingly competitive world that is constantly changing due to technology, we cannot expect our students to learn the same way we did. So why are 21st century skills important? According to The Partnership for 21st century skills http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ “Every child in American needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers and leaders in the 21st century. There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces. To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real world environments by infusing 21st century skills into their teaching and learning.”
This partnership represents an opportunity for educators across the United States to join the effort of preparing our students to become successful and productive citizens. Although currently there are over 38 leading technology and educational corporations who are part of this partnership, it is disappointing to find out that only 10 states have joined and Texas is not one of them. Currently, there is no cost to join but a commitment is required to design new standards, assessments, and professional development. Are our government and education leaders in Texas mostly unaware of the need to do something about education now? Is there a lack of vision?
Several Texas school districts are in the process of implementing 21st century skills at the high school level through the Texas Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (TSTEM) initiatives. Of particular interest is the New Tech Foundation model that incorporates integrated team teaching through a project based curriculum and professional development framework.
My mission as an educator is to provide my students with the knowledge and skills they will need in real-life, but how can this happen with our current mandates? Change needs to happen soon, otherwise the United States’ education system will continue falling behind other countries.
What do you think should change in our education system?
References: Partnership for 21st Century Skills
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I teach in Ohio, and they are not a partner either. It's frustrating for me as a teacher and a parent with children entering into school in just a few years. I am happy to hear that Texas is in the process to creating change to support 21st century skills in the high schools, but this is not a state-wide vision or mission. It seems to me that Ohio is so behind other states. Thankfully Governor Ted Strickland just released an education reform and funding plan just a few days ago. The components of his plan include: 21st Century Learning Environments, Expanded Learning Opportunities, High Quality Educators, Measure Ohio Students Against the World, School District Accountability, Effective Funding for a 21st Century System of Education (Governor Strickland’s 2009 State of the State Address, 1/28/2009). I believe that this will take about 10 years to achieve. If our local government can accomplish these goals, I believe that Ohio will prepare our students for the 21st century workforce.
ReplyDeleteReference:
Strickland, T. (2009, January 28). State of the State Address. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=1599&Content=62612
I agree that we need a change in our educational system as you mention. However, I believe that the technology boom has happened so quickly that we now find our educational system way behind. It would seem that a total revamping of our traditional educational system would be necessary although a very daunting task. Combine this with the financial burden it would put on the districts and states it makes it seem even more impossible.
ReplyDeleteThe main point the Partnership makes is that their initiative is free. If nothing else having a state join this initiative would be a giant leap in the right direction.
I am sorry to admit that New York is not a partner either. It is unfortunate that there is so little support and awareness for 21st century skills across the nation. Up until a few weeks ago, I too had no interest in participating in a blog or designing a wiki. But after doing so, I realized the significance it has on education and the implications it has for our students' futures.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do agree with Paul about how quickly technology has evolved. Although it might have been easy for me to embrace this technology, not everyone is as open to change. It is going to take people like us to convince others that this is the path we should take. Additionally, the system that we need to create is a system that not only needs to catch up, but a system that can evolve.
Ohio is not a partner either. It is sad that we as educators will be trying to play catch up when all is said and done. Something has to be done so our kids are part of the 21st century. The skills that they need,are out there to be taught, but the states need to mandate and make the materials available for us to as educators to make it happen! I think that all 50 states should be a part of The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. It would not only be a teaching tool for teachers but it will also a great collaboration between all 50 states!
ReplyDeleteHi Yolando
ReplyDeleteI live in New York and they too are not partners. It is frustrating when you find such a great resource but are unable to use it. Technology has come so far along, I really feel everyone needs to be a part of it.