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.
It’s funny that you mention that your state is a partner state, because mine is as well. It is crazy that we are teaching within a state that the government has taken an active role in the project, but we are unaware of any affiliation. I was happy to hear that my state, Ohio, is involved, but I would like to know when we are going to learn more about it. Would we have found out soon, or was it just by chance through this class and lesson?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you that I am having more and more students that would prefer to work alone on a project as well. What do you think is causing this trend? Do you think it is the increase in technology that allows people to have less face to face interaction? Is this technology actually hindering the social skills of the youth today? I have asked myself that same question… it is sad that many of us (including myself) would prefer to text someone over actually calling them, let alone seeing them face to face. Times sure have changed, and we need to find a way to help our students change with them in a positive way.
I also teach in NJ and I too was unaware of the affiliation with P21. I also try to instill good work ethic in my students and encourage them to take pride in their work and everything they do. It was interesting to learn that employers find collaboration and teamwork to be so weak among incoming employees. I provide several opportunities for my students to work in groups, however they seem to do a better job when working independently. I often ask myself, why is this so? Are they distracted and too talkative when working with others? Or do they really like working alone better? My first graders certainly seem to get excited when I place them in groups, so what's the problem?
ReplyDeleteAs chilren get older they seem to prefer to be alone. They would rather play on the computer or play video games they go outside and be with friends.
You are right, times are changing and we need to help our students change with them in a positive way; a way that prepares them for the future and the workforce.
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ReplyDeleteMeghan you make so many valid points. I love the site. Although Florida is not a partner, I can still use the information provided by P21. It is very interesting that companies expressed their concerns about new hires. I believe that all educators should want to have this information available. My personal opinion is that teachers are still stuck in a time warp. We do not live in a textbook only world. We need to teach workforce skills to our students. You mentioned that P21 made a bold statement in saying that they will meet the needs of all students and that you find this hard when there are so many schools behind with technology. This is the opportunity for the teacher to bring in resources to help the students. Although the schools may not have all of the necessary tools, many students do. At my school our motto is "Exposure to Excellence promotes Excellence". If at least expose our students to some of the things that will be required of them, they will be more apt to continue their efforts. Collaboration was mentioned as a weakness. We can teach collaboration in any situation. Desire is definitely needed if we as educators want to make a change and have a positive impact on our students.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that parents do play a very important role too in gearing students to be 21st Century readiness. Thus, perhaps P21 may consider incorporating guidelines for and involving parents.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you talk about NJ being in the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. My state is also in the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and I have heard very little about this. I also agree with you about the bold statement about teachers being able to prepare students for 21st century skills. There are so many schools that are lacking the necessary technology to TEACH the 21st Century Skills.
ReplyDeleteOhio, my state is also a partner but I had no idea until viewing the website. I think that as teachers we sometimes get tunnel vision on teaching content and do not see the big picture. This is easy to do with so much emphasis being put on the standardized testing. P21 does a good job of pointing out the big picture of getting our students ready to be productive citizens for the 21st Century. We need to do make sure that we are teaching the skills that employers are looking for. These skills are not in a text book, so we need to be creative in how we develop the skills our students need to develop. I think that using project based learning is a great way to help develop these skills.
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