14. 21st Century Skills

An article written by the president for 21st Century Skills, Ken Kay, begins by describing a "tipping point," the moment when a critical mass of circumstances come together and sets us on a new and unstoppable course. Scientists, economists, and sociologists all use this term to describe moments when a significant change occurs and results in a new reality that is markedly different form the old. Kay believes that we are on the threshold of a tipping point in public education. The moment is at hand for a 21st century model for education that will better prepare students for the demands of citizenship, college, and careers in this millennium, he states.

He uses this article to introduce the context and framework for the 21st Century Learning developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The vision for 21st Century offers a framework that should be expected of students once they leave school to venture successfully into higher education, workplaces, and independent life. He stresses more on the outcomes stating they are the design specs for the rest of the system.

Why do we need a new model for education in the 21st century, Kay asks. His answer is that the world is changing. The global economy, with its emerging industries and occupations, offers tremendous opportunities for everyone who has the skills to take advantage of it. Another reason is that U.S. schools and students have not adopted to the changing world. Kay believes that our current public education system is not preparing all students for the economic, workforce, and citizenship opportunities and demands of the 21st century.

What should a 21st century look like? Kay feels meeting challenges we face requires a new model for education, one in which every aspect of our education system is aligned to prepare Americans to compete.  The framework focuses on results that matter. With this said, 21st century education must be tied to outcomes. Kay says the critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and the other 21st century skills are the tools people need to move up the economic ladder.

My opinion about the 21st Century Skills framework is that I agree on most parts. I agree with the fact that our world is changing, and in way I guess our education needs to build a better format. But there is a part of me that still likes to hold on that original way of  learning. I know all children learn in different ways and expressing their creativity is important, but does this baby them? I mean students today rely on what people tell them do to instead of working through problems themselves. They seem to need so much guidance. So, I feel that preparing for the independent lifestyle is important, but know that beginning with their education is where that independent lifestyle lesson will begin.