I found the 21st Century Skills website very intriguing. It was interesting that there were only 10 states that the partnership has agreements with. Being that California is the largest state population wise, begs the question, "Why does it not have an agreement in place?" "Does California think that they already do enough to prepare their students for the 21st Century workplace?" I wonder.
Even though the Arts is considered a core subject now, it still surprises me when I see it included in websites like this. Sometimes, I click on the link and there is a message saying, "Check back later", or there will only be one or two entries. On the website I located six entries when I performed a search of "Arts". I checked out one of the entries, and was happy to see that if I wanted to, I could integrate the information I found into my own class.
In the short time I spent on the website, I quickly realized that if things do not change in the field of education soon, the United States is going to find itself on the outside of a big castle, and no way to get in. Many other nations of the world are preparing their students to work in the "real" world. The United States needs to do the same, or risk failure. It would be shameful for that to happen.
Arizona has a partnership with the 21st Century site. But did you look? It needs to be updateda as the governor listed is no longer our governor... :) I think it would be more effective to create links to our state standards - especially the ones dealing with the workforce. Some, but not all, are actually aligned to the 21st Century beliefs.
ReplyDeleteHey Raymond,
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was very interesting that there were only 10 states that had agreements with them as well. My state wasn't listed. I asked my principal about it today and she didn't know what I was talking about. So, I explained what were were doing in our class and about the website. I hope she takes a look at it. Those skills would be so beneficial to all students if they could have them before they graduate from high school.
Ive been thinking more and more about just what we teach our students in schools these days. Im currently taking a financial course alongside this one, and its shocking to realize how little our students are prepared for the world. I think that many states need to get on board with some ideas other than "Math and English!". My students know nothing about finances, and could really use some of the things that this site stands for.
ReplyDeleteI feel our schools are failing as well. Some districts who are "rolling in the money" have the avenues to prepare children. The majority of districts do not have this luxury. Like you said..."the real world". These skills are paramount!
ReplyDelete