21st Century Skills

Definition: The 21st Century Skills are a framework of skills and knowledge developed to help schools to best prepare students to compete in a global economy. They must be combined with standards, assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development and learning environments in order to promote learning. For real-world success, schools must promote a deeper understanding and application of academic content by integrating the 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects: Global Awareness, Financial, Civic, Health and Environmental Literacies. The four Learning and Innovation skills essential for success in school, work and Life are: Creativity and Innovation, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, and Collaboration. In addition, there are Information, Media and Technology skills and Life and Career skills. (Partnership for 21st Century skills, http://www.p21.org/our-work/resources)

What it Means: Districts are being asked to monitor student accomplishment of these skills, thus a tracking system may be needed at the state level.

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