The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has emerged as the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education (Partnership for 21st century skills, 2004). Their website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ is full of great information explaining 21st century skills and technology in the classroom. Again, they have a great amount of information that is well organized (even graphs). However, I felt their website to be very boring and unappealing! I felt “forced” to read it, although I wanted the information.
I was surprised by the low number of states participating in the PL2 Leadership State program. According to the website (Partnership for 21st century skills, 2004), “the programs prepare students with the 21st century skills they need to be successful in school, work and life.” Why hasn’t every state signed up yet? I wasn’t surprised that Indiana isn’t participating. We seem to be the last state to do anything helping education!
I did not agree with the list of Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes. The website (Partnership for 21st century skills, 2004) states, “ Mastery of Core subjects and 21st century themes is essential in the 21st century”. I don’t think that World Languages or Arts are essential in the 21st century. Even though I was involved in arts (band/music) in High School and College, I don’t think that was essential for my teaching degree.
I do feel that our school is doing a wonderful job at teaching the Core Subjects & 21st Century Themes. We also teach Learning and Innovation skills, even at the elementary level. Our High School teaches Life and Career Skills. I can’t say how well, because I’m not in the building. However, the whole corporation is failing to teach Information, Media and Technology Skills. We do have a few classes in place. Unfortunately, they are not using updated technology or teaching the students 21st century technology skills.
Megan, first let me tell you how much fun your blog is. The background is really catching.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I too was very surprised at the lack of state participation. I feel that without the support from all 50 states, alot of the effort is wasted. Also, coming from a state that has not yet become activly involved, I was concerned with our job placement. In years time, will these states have more placements. If these students are being taught the skills that they need will they be more qualified for jobs?
Carrie
Megan, your blog is very appealing, awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI think you are lucky that your school incorporates 21st century themes. How far back does America want to fall? When will legislators realize that the best way to improve the economy is to improve education and improve the workforce. The site 21st Century Skills is (hopefully) just the beginning for a huge overhaul of the focus of education. I think that the skills learned in this course will be invaluable.
Craig
Thank you both for the positive comments about my blog! I think that making it appealing is so much fun. It's like scrapbooking to me!
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