21st Century Learners

While reading over the website of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, I was pleasantly surprised to see that New Jersey is considered a P21 partner state. Then I questioned why I am unaware of this status. Recently, we reviewed revised NJ Content Standards for science. I am now curious to revisit these standards to see how they align with P21 skills. I found the website very enlightening. I feel the concept of preparing our learners for the demands of the 21st century are significant goals that we should strive for. I was surprised on the small amount of states that are recognized as partners.

While browsing on the site, I came across a 2008 power point that was shared at the National School Boards Association, 2008 Annual Conference. It highlighted what teachers can do to prepare global learners and it also shared skills, which employers feel make a successful worker when hiring a high school graduate. At the time of this particular survey, 80% of employers felt work ethic was the most important skill. Despite this not being a current survey, it offered me some understanding about the candidates that are interviewing for jobs. In my classroom, I strive to teach the concept of “taking pride in your work.” Therefore, I feel somewhat reassured that employers feel strongly about their workers demonstrating good work ethic.

The presentation also shared what employers noted as deficiencies in their recent hired high school graduates. The weakest skill the survey revealed was teamwork/collaboration. Again, this gives me a new perspective on striving to build better collaborators within my classroom. I know I am currently struggling with students working fairly and respectfully with each other. I must admit, I am hearing more and more students’ share that they would rather work and even play alone. As an educator, I need to foster ways to have these students understand the importance of teamwork at a young age.

After exploring this site, I didn’t find many points that I disagree with. However, there was one video that was created by the president of P21 that I felt a bit unsure about. In the video, he stated that when educators follow through with the goals of P21, we can ensure 21st century readiness for every student. I think this is a bold statement when there are so many schools that need additional resources, such as professional development. I was also concerned that I am in a NJ school district and have not experienced any professional development to support the goals of this partnership.

Overall, I found this site truly eye-opening. You often hear colleagues buzz in the hallway about peers who go to school with their high school aged children. The conversation usually entails that kids today are not demonstrating the independence, the drive, and the inquiry of the kids in the past. Just recently, I overheard a colleague share that several high school students that interact with her daughter are currently not working or have shared that they do not need to work. I understand that there are varied circumstances with these situations. I suppose my argument is this: as educators, we can strive to build 21st century learners, but we undoubtedly need the support of parents to do so too. For one thing, I know that my back to school night presentation will highlight these skills next year.

Check out what my school did for Read Across America Day! (Not my school in the video)

I would like to use a blog as a place for student to discuss a book or a posed question from class. My second graders are currently working on responding to reading. This would be a intereative way for them to respond to an open-ended question pertaining to a book shared in school or a content-related question.

Also, it would support their typing skills and their ability to use a computer. This would also enhance the lesson, as students could read their peers responses and consider ways to improve their own. Many times, students don't share in front of their peers in school. With a blog, students would have an opportunity to to share their thinking with others via typed conversations.

I think a blog is a useful instructional tool because it integrates technology and it can be differentiated. I know my second graders would feel very "studious" using a blog. I also like that it serves as a useful way to connect school to home.