What skills and knowledge must today's students master to compete globally and become successful 21st-century citizens? And what kind of critical support systems do schools need to produce 21st-century teaching and learning outcomes?
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, an advocacy organization, has developed a vision for 21st-century student success in the new global economy. The organization's Framework for 21st Century Learning identifies these necessary student outcomes: core subjects and 21st-century themes, learning and innovation skills; critical-thinking and problem-solving skills; communication and collaboration skills; information, media, and technology skills; and life and career skills. The framework also identifies the support systems—standards, assessments, curriculum, instruction, professional development, and learning environments—that are needed to help today's students master the multidimensional capabilities required of them in the 21st century. (See theFramework.)
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, known as P21, brings together the business community, education leaders, and policymakers to define a powerful vision for 21st-century education. In February 2008, ASCD joined the P21 board of directors to help change the conversation about education to include talking about issues that affect the whole child.
"Our members play an integral role in helping young people grow into well-rounded and successful adults—prepared for college, work, and life in the 21st century. ASCD joined the national Partnership for 21st Century Skills to direct more attention toward the importance of educating the whole child and to ensure our children are prepared for success in the increasingly interdependent global society and workforce of the 21st century," said Gene R. Carter, executive director of ASCD.
For additional information, see the P21 Web site.
