Evaluating 21st Century Skills
Over the past few days, I have been navigating through "The Partnership for 21st Century Skills" (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/). My first reaction to the website was one of overwhelming surprise. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of this organization before. My second reaction was simply being overwhelmed. There is so much information on the site. As I continued to read their mission statement, among other things, I thought to myself, "Well, of course. This is what true teaching and learning should be like. This is perfection at its best." Then that feeling of being overwhelmed came flooding back again. The thoughts of, "Am I doing these things? Am I bringing 21st century skills into education? Do I have a true vision of what it takes to ensure every child's success as citizens in workers in the 21 century?" Among many other things, just viewing this website made me stop and reevaluate MY mission.

While reading through the information given, I was surprised to see the various companies that are involved in this endeavor. It seems a true collaborative effort and partnership among educators, businesses, community and government leaders. Because of the diversity, they are able to offer a wide range of important tools and resources needed to help our students move forward and eventually successfully enter the 21st century workforce.

In pondering all that this website was about, one idea stood out to me. The passage read, "...schools must move beyond the focus on basic competency in core subjects to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects." This is done though the study of global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; and health literacy. Currently, my school's main focus IS on basic competency. It's all about raising test scores. Sadly, these other areas are not an area of primary focus. Also, the state of California is currently not a partner state of this program. I am wondering why this is so?

Overall, I feel like I strive to do much of what was discussed by this organization. I work hard to create an environment were learning is relevant and in real world 21 century context. Students participate as individuals, groups, and as team members. And although this is a start, this organization proves that there is so much more to be done. I feel that if I had acquired more of the skills that are discussed on this website throughout my school years, I would have been much more prepared for the "real world". It is evident that the gap is widening between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in the 21 century workplace and communities. The powerful vision that this organization has, in my opinion, is what should drive teachers like myself, to try even harder, in spite of the roadblocks that we may face.