The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is the key organization producing a framework for schools and teachers that incorporates 21st century skills through curriculum and project-based learning. Their website is an invaluable resource for teachers and administrators seeking to understand the big picture in 21st century education. Their recommendations combine specific skills, content knowledge, expertise and literacies, not just reading but concepts like media literacy, visual literacy, global literacy (understanding of other cultures). The foundation recommended is the familiar core subjects: English, World Languages, Arts, Math, Economics, Science, Geography, History, Government. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills also recommends weaving the interdisciplinary themes of global awareness, financial and entrepreneurial literacy, Civic literacy, and Health literacy. So the new core, once more people adapt, will be fuller.
In essence, what the 21st century requires is much of what we have been doing and more. Yet, we only have so much time. So, the bottom line is some things have to go to make room for the breadth that is required. Teaching for content will also have to include the layering of other skills and competencies that can be utilized in a project-based approach. If one has not been teaching in that way, learning about project-based teaching will also be necessary.
Where are we now?
Where do we want to go?
How will we get there?
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