Resources:
Our Mission. (2004). Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Retrieved January 28, 2009, from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=188&Itemid=110
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Website Review
I have previewed a website for an organization called Partnership for 21st Century Skills, they describe their mission to "serve as a catalyst to position 21st Century skills at the center of US K-12 education building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community, and government". A very organized and detailed site they explain how students are learning skills throughout education that may help their learning process but schools are not doing enough to prepare students in order to be successful in the 21st Century society. Partnership for 21st Century Skills detail how they believe programs and standards can be implemented to better prepare students to fit the demands of the 21st Century. They include resources and skills, teachers may be able to implement into their individual classrooms. The website also deals with how American students are falling behind in education, not just in the states, but compared to other students around the world. My question is, with only 10 states currently actively involved with this program are school districts to hesitant for change? Do they feel students are prepared for the 21st Century? Or can districts not afford such programs or do not have the time with inevitable budget cuts and teacher layoffs?
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Although I don't have an answer to your questions, I have the same concerns. I am wondering how many schools in the nation are properly informed of the skills that students need to be successful in present day. I often question what principals do at their county meetings. Maybe this should be something that is brought to their attention and have them develop ways to resolve the situation.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I know that many schools, including mine, are experiencing the dreadful budget cuts. Instructional aide positions are being eliminated and substitute teachers are no longer being assigned to teachers that cannot attend during the day. Instead, the children need to be split up into other classrooms for the day. Therefore, I think that money is an issue. However, as I reviewed the website, it mentioned that it was free to join. "There is currently no cost to become a P21 State partner, however all state partners are required to submit an application that outlines their commitment to and strategy for implementing a 21st Century Skills initiative within their state." So what really is stopping other states from participating?
How to Get Involved. (2004). Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Retrieved January 28, 2009, from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=510&Itemid=194
I agree with your assessment about taking necessary actions to get our states involved in this initiative. It seems that there are always new legislation set forth and teachers are forced to adhere to. Most of these initiative are poorly thoughout, poorly funded and really have no bearing on our student's success. The Partnership is free to states and deals directly with getting our students back into a competitive lane when it comes to the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first looked at this site is saw a bunch of corporate sponsors that stand to gain a lot from the momentum of this initiative. But if these coprpate sponsors want to finance some of our student's education, let them. It seems that it is a smart move from the corporate standpoint to put a little money in our schools now and have these students buying from them later.
The bottom line is that we need to do something and no one is doing anything. I think this initiave is a giant leap in the right direction.
I find it difficult to know where to start with this dilemma of getting students up to speed and on track with the challenges and demands they will face in the 21st century. Is the solution to teaching all students 21st century skills, a top down solution where the Federal government steps in and mandates action through legislation. Or should it be a bottom up solution, where educators, schools and districts pressure states to take supportive action through funding?
ReplyDeleteIt appears through the Partnership's web site, that it is a few states are taking action.
I find it very interesting, and sad, that more businesses have the vision of preparing our students for the rigors and challenges that lie ahead, than some states.
After all, educating its citizens is a states obligation, is it not? Listed on a state's budget, the first spending priority is to pay the state's debt, second is paying for education.