The Partnership for the 21st Century website contains a framework that describes the skills and knowledge that students need to make it in the 21st Century work force and in life. At first, I had a little difficulty navigating the website. I felt like at first glance, it was a little too busy. However, as I began to explore the site some more, I found it rather interesting. I agree with what the site had to say.The most surprising thing to me about the site is that very few states have taken the initiative in the partnership. My state of SC is one that did not. This leads to question as to whether we are really preparing the youth of America for life and work in the 21st century.
From the information that I read on the site, I did not find anything that I disagree with. The ideas are good. The implementation of them in the classroom could possibly be a problem considering the lack of resources and funds.
The website gave information that is very helpful to me as an educator. Assessment ideas were also listed. The website reiterated the idea that we need to prepare our students for the future as they are faced with competing with a global market. By looking at the partnership, I am able to gain access to new innovations and ideas in order to gear my students into the right direction.
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I was also quite suprised by the partnership initiative. I live in Wisconsin and was suprised to see my state on the list. I definately hadn't heard about it before. I think that these 21st century skills are important for teachers to know about so that they can implement them into the classrooms. How can they incorporate the skills when they do not even know about this initiative and the skills or are not a part of it? Had you heard about P21 before this class since your state isn't a part of the initiative? We really need to think about our students' futures and what will benefit them the most. This is something that I feel is important.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that my state, California was not on the list either, and that very few states had joined the partnership. Before this class, I had never heard of P21 either. It is frustrating to learn that P21 has been around almost ten years and the ideas are not being incorporated into schools.
ReplyDeleteAs teachers, should we wait for the P21 to reach our state, school district, or school? Or is it time to be pro-active and use the web site to incorporate the skills into our classrooms setting a model to be followed?
Lisa says, “From the information that I read on the site, I did not find anything that I disagree with. The ideas are good.” I also agree with the principals. It makes sense. As a math teacher too, I can see giving up some drill and kill for “real life” application.
ReplyDeleteI do not think this is an issue at all.
The issue lies in implementation. It is such a drastic overhaul. Maybe I missed it, but I did not see anything on how to gradually implement a P21 school. I am open to trying it in my classroom, but it can not happen over night. I would try a lesson, or even part of one. Then maybe a few weeks later use part of another.
Personally I have a closet full of three ring binders of ideas. I can not even remember everything I have. Maybe I did not spend enough time looking at the resources, but they seemed scattered at best. It seems that this would better serve me if it was a bounded curriculum with student and teachers editions.
Mrs. Rogus, I have not heard of the partnership until this class. I will be researching it further and sharing the information at my school.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, you bring up a good point. I will introduce the website to my colleagues. I think it is a good idea to incorporate the skills where we can. If we take the initiative maybe others will follow. Of course, at my school, the resources needed are limited.
Rinehartmath, I agree with you that this cannot happen over night. I think that using a little at a time is the answer. At first, I had a difficult time navigating the site. It took me a little while to decide which direction to go. I know that I did not see all that it had to offer.