21st Century Skills
Framework for 21st Century learning
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has developed a vision for 21st century student success in the new global economy.
The State of Wisconsin, the NEW North region and Partners in Education of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has adopted this framework for preparing students for the future workforce. Partners in Education school districts are combining the framework with 21st century professional development, assessments and standards, so their high school graduates will be prepared to thrive in today’s global economy.
Why 21st Century Skills
The very nature of America’s economy has changed dramatically over the past decade and will continue to do so. In a knowledge-based, innovation-driven era, different knowledge, skills, and abilities will be required for workers and employers to be successful. The new workplace demands higher order technical skills, as well as universally necessary 21st century skills, such as the ability to learn on one’s own; to gather and synthesize information; to work effectively in teams; to solve problems; to communicate through multiple means; and to manage time, money, and responsibilities. Jobs that can be classified as high- or middle-skill jobs will continue to dominate the U.S.U.S. labor market will continue to need workers who can combine technical capabilities with essential 21st century skills. It is critically important the United States meet this need by raising high school graduation rates and increasing the percentage of adults who pursue postsecondary education and training leading to a degree, a credential, a certificate of mastery, or some other indication of mastery of critical knowledge, skills, and abilities. (The Skills Imperative, How Career and Technical Education Can Solve the U.S. Talent Shortage, Institute for a Competitive Workforce an Affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.)
Partners in Education, along with the NEW North and the State of Wisconsin, is working to align the above elements to develop a support system that produces 21st century outcomes for today’s students. Work is currently in process and will be added later.