The website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ looks to be just another common site. But when it is looked at more in depth, valuable information is found. The mission is very helpful and gives examples of what the site believes in. The home page shows many different current events and stories that are happening and maneuvering the site is easy as well.
I was surprised by all of the states that are taking initiatives to encourage 21st century skills. When you click on the state, it brings up that state's information on the issue. It is good to know that this issue is being realized by state legislature and more people are becoming aware of it.
I liked all of the information that I saw on the site. The site is very big and would take some time to navigate through everything. The news is up to date and backs the mission statement. This is a place to go to keep up on issues and news.
Students need to be exposed to technology and some schools can't do this to the potential that they need to. With these students falling behind, they will struggle when they get older and will not be able to lead a wonderful life.
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Phil,
ReplyDeleteI was actually a little disappointed that there were only 9 out of the 50 states taking initiatives to encourage the 21st century skills. Since we as a nation are struggling to produce top notch students, we all need to get on the same page, 9 out of 50 states is not all of us being on the same page. And we wonder why foreign countries are out doing our very own American students. But as you said maybe people aren't aware of what is out there and with the issue becoming more aware of, hopefully we will see more states taking the initiative to integrate the 21st century skills in the classroom.
Phil, I do love the fact that the site was closely tied into nine states' educational initiatives. I only wish that my own state of IL would also be on that REALLY short list as well.
ReplyDeleteMy state (Ohio) is not on the list of states taking initiative, however our governer, Ted Strickland just gave a speech last week about implementing 21st century skills into our education system over the next 8 years. However, he also wants to add an additional month onto the school year over the next 10 years, in addition to some other interesting ideas. He also wants teachers to do a 4-year residency in a school (like medical students) before officially becoming teachers. Many of us are joking (although somewhat seriously) about finding jobs out of state.
ReplyDeleteI also must agree with Emily's comment, that if only 9 ststes are taking initiative on this, there is a lot of work to do before the whole country will ever be on the same page with this concept.
Besides the fact that so few states seem to be involved, I would also like to point out that even though a state has a written initiative, doesn't mean that there is funding and professional development provided to help teachers get started. I am sure we all know that quite often in education teachers are expected to follow initiatives with little or no support.
ReplyDeleteAlecia, that is very true about a state not having the funding for the initiative that was written. I never really thought that a state would not create some type of funding for this problem. Students need to be "up to date" on technology to be able to survive in the world today.
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