I read a few articles this past week on the topic of 21st century skills. This evening, I spent some time reading the web site, Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I found the site very informative and in-line with the articles I had read.
While reading the Framework for 21st Century Learning, I had to ask myself, “Do I even meet these standards? Can I meet these requirements?” I ask myself this because of how much I have learned about the internet and technology over the past few weeks. As I read further, I discovered that I do indeed teach some of the student outcomes, such as critical thinking and problem solving. Those two skills, along with several others in the framework, are addressed on the New Jersey High School Proficiency assessment, so I build those skills into my classroom. However, I do lack in the area of information, media, and technology skills. I know this is an area in which I need to grow stronger for the benefit of my students.
While reading the site, I saw that the Partnership was formed in 2002. I had to wonder, if this Partnership was created 7 years ago why I haven’t I heard about it? Why am I just now learning about “21st Century Skills”? Have I been that out-of-the-loop about current best practices in education? What surprised me even more was seeing my home state, New Jersey, listed on the State Initiatives page. I followed the link to the state area of the web site and read some very interesting information about New Jersey’s plans to provide students with an education that provides 21st century schools including standards, professional development, and alignment of new assessments with 21st century skills. I have only seen revisions of state standards and assessments; not initiatives for these 21st century schools.
As an educator, I need to be fully aware of the 21st Century skills. I need to know to what my students are expected to know when they leave high school. I need to be aware of the skills they will need to compete in a global society. Knowing the information is only part of the battle though; implementing the standards is another challenge that has to be tackled.
Linda
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Linda, it's a little scary, I know, to realize that something like this Partnership has been around for so long and you are just now hearing about it. At least you realize that one must really work very hard to 'stay on top' of the technology world. But, I'm sure that you will now stay connected to this site and try to stay up to date and in the 'loop' with regard to what is going on in the area of educational technology.
ReplyDeleteDr. l.
Linda-
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who constantly questions if I'm doing the "best" for my students' real world lives. I know that content standards are well thought out and revised-- but I see that the "real world" seems to want different skills than I am required to teach. You're doing a great job; keep it up!
-Becca V
Hi Linda!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your question regarding the time frame that the Skills were introduced. As a teacher in one of the states that are part of the Skills, I have yet to be inserviced on the concept of 21st Century skills. Not only have there been no inservices on the skills, I have not even heard of them. Since the introduction in 2002, I have worked in 3 school districts within the state. Sadly, not one of these schools mentioned these skills while I was there. When I took some time this week to look through each of the district websites, I did noticed the 21st century skills were listed on each site in the core content standards and benchmarks. As a teacher, I am going to have to take the initiative to ensure that I cover these skills within my teaching and take the time to learn about them myself. Thanks for the thought provoking idea!
Mandy :)