The Rennie Center released A New Era of Education Reform: Preparing All Students for Success in College, Career and Life which calls attention to the need for 21st century skills in today’s classrooms.
The report, funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, summarizes a survey of Massachusetts district and school leaders coupled with their opinions on the importance of 21st century skills. These 21st century skills include communication, technology literacy, collaboration and creativity.
More than three-quarters of the leaders agree that the integration of 21st century skills into public school learning curricula is necessary, including in areas where students are lacking basic skills. The report suggests educators regularly incorporate 21st century skills into the teaching of core content, rather than as specialized add-ons.
The report also indicates that, despite widespread support for integration of 21st century skills, school leaders feel a lack of state support for the initiative.
To further enrich understanding of how 21st century skills can be integrated into the classroom, the Rennie Center also visited leaders and educators at 12 Massachusetts schools where 21st century skills are considered a priority.
“In order to secure the long-term prosperity of the region, we must increase the overall number of learners who possess the skills and knowledge necessary for full participation in postsecondary education, work and life,” said Nellie Mae Education Foundation President and CEO Nicholas C. Donohue. “We hope that this report helps to move the conversation along so that educators can prepare all students with what they need to know and begin to measure those skills in ways that allow us to accurately gauge progress.”
More information and a copy of the report can be found on the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s website
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