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March 29, 2008

Featured speaker Ken Kay opened the luncheon session by endorsing state partnerships with 21st Century Learning. 21st Century Skills promote economic stability and personal success in the United States. Anyone is welcome to explore Route 21 on their web site (www.21stcenturyskills.org). The Framework for21st Century Learning model looks like a half rainbow resting on four steps. Check it out.

The rate at which information is changing has created the need for a new educational model. Every twenty-four months the amount of technical information doubles. It no longer is enough just to know information. The questions become where do I find information and how do I work with information once I find it? The trend for current students will be three to five careers per lifetime.

Kay focused on federal and state legislation. Board members and superintendents can become federal advocates to spread the word about the relevancy of these skills. Legislative Bill S1483 (the Rockefeller Snow Legislation) is the 21st Century Incentive Fund. It provides a federal match for states who are part of this partnership. Nine state partnerships exist. Ask your governor and state commissioner of education if they would support this partnership in your state.

NCLB doesn’t come to terms with national assessment of many 21st century skills including technology competency. Kay sees NCLB being revised to include measurement of these global benchmarks. School systems need to emphasize critical thinking and problem solving. Our K—12 educational pedagogy and assessments must be in alignment with relevant career options that may not even exist at the current time. Our students will be competing with other students internationally for jobs. Funding should support education that prepares students for working and living in our changing global economy.

Posted by Molly O'Holleran, Blog Team, at 11:32 AM | Special Programs & Events

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