OUR VISION

The Center for 21st Century Skills @ EDUCATION CONNECTION recognizes the need for creativity and technical expertise in our fast-paced global society. Our vision is for innovation in secondary education through the integration of 21st century skills into the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teaching and learning process. The Center for 21st Century Skills seeks to contribute to a common course of action in addressing rising academic and student expectations, and the demands of a more globally competitive workplace.

We imagine Connecticut high schools as places where:

• Teaching and learning are relevant to life both in and out of school.
• Students understand and use communication skills, creative thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal and self-directed skills that lead to high performance both in school and in life.
• Compelling 21st century content is part of the common core curriculum.
• Professional development and teaching strategies enable educators to facilitate student learning and 21st century skill development.
• 21st century tools and context are embedded in core subjects and assessments.
• Every student, teacher, and administrator has access to 21st century tools and technologies and the technical ability to use them in order to work productively.
• All students, including those with learning or physical disabilities and those learning English can demonstrate what they know and are able to do so with all the knowledge and skills that are valued in the world.

This is our vision for bold action in high schools throughout our state. We believe that reaching this vision is important and achievable, and that the Center for 21st Century Skills can provide the tools, resources, practices, and evidence needed to meet the challenge.