Partnership for the 21st Century

The Partnership for the 21st Century Skills, promotes ensuring that all students are ready to be successful in the 21st Century. The Partnership has developed elements that are “critical systems necessary to ensure 21st century readiness for every student”. The framework supports 4 student outcomes (Life and Career Skills; Learning and Innovation Skills; Information, Media, and Technology Skills; and Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes) and 4 support systems (Standards and Assessments; Curriculum and Instruction; Professional Development; and Learning Environments). The Partnership states that “core content is not enough” and that educators need to “fuse the 3 R’s and the 4 C’s” together to successfully prepare students. The 3 R’s referred to Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, history and others. It seems the 3 R’s really refers to core subjects. The 4 C’s referred to Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity.

In searching the website, I found that it offered resources to districts, schools and educators. One resource I feel that would be valuable to my district is the free online MILE (Milestones for Implementing Learning & Education) Guide Assessment. This free online assessment contains 14 questions. After all questions are answered, the assessment rates the districts stage of teaching 21st century skills as Early, Transitional, or 21st Century. Recommendations are then also offered. I was disappointed the recommendations for the most part were to purchase a product the Partnership sales. Another resource I found interesting was the Professional Development Affiliate Program. I was excited about the possibility of attending a program that could help my and my school begin to develop programs, curriculums and assessments around the 21st Century Skills our students need. However, I was surprised about the cost and felt that would prohibit my or my schools involvement.

In general, I found the Partnership was another positive group that supported preparing students for the 21st Century. I agreed with their student outcomes and support systems. The Partnerships mission and framework are aligned with other resources I have reviewed. We as educators need to teach our students not only subject matter but also how to be self-learners that can think critically and work as a team member.