GOALS

What should every 21st century student know and be able to do?

In identifying the skills and knowledge that every 21st century student should possess, we consider the environment they occupy in their daily lives, both now and as they look to the future. First and foremost is "Life": everything that exists beyond the four walls of their learning institution (and which often intrudes upon it, appearing as an unwanted presence in the face of traditional educational modes). Life skills have much to do with relationships, ethics, values, and personal responsibility. Next is "School." School skills include the ability to learn how to learn the traditional academic disciplines and their individual modes of practice and habits of mind. Third (often a distant third, in the mind of the young person) is "Work" and the world of professional practice. This domain encompasses the application of the academic skills to the workplace situations, where academic knowledge is honed against the stone of situated knowledge.

At the center of these three overlapping spheres of influence in the lives of young people are the skills that they need to succeed in each and in all three. Much discussion has resulted in proposals describing these "21st Century Skills" from some of the leading organizations in the field. Our work builds a consensus among the leaders (NCREL/enGauge, ISTE/NETS, and The Partnership for 21st Century Skills) and distills from these an alignment that we believe encapsulates the essence of their efforts. It is upon this foundation that we have based our approach to educating the 21st century student.

(Click on each of these to see examples of these skills in our students' work.)

The Consensus Alignment: Six Among Equals

• Use real-world digital and other research tools to access, evaluate and effectively apply information appropriate for authentic tasks.
• Work independently and collaboratively to solve problems and accomplish goals.
• Communicate information clearly and effectively using a variety of tools/media in varied contexts for a variety of purposes.
• Demonstrate innovation, flexibility and adaptability in thinking patterns, work habits, and working/learning conditions.
• Effectively apply the analysis, synthesis, and evaluative processes that enable productive problem solving.
• Value and demonstrate personal responsibility, character, cultural understanding, and ethical behavior.

Visit our Student Work Portal to learn more.