The Partnership for 21st Century Skills identified nine key areas that educators need focus on to prepare children for the 21st Century. The skills are:

  • Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills
  • Problem Identification, Formulation, and Solution
  • Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity
  • Self Direction
  • Accountability and Adaptability
  • Social Responsibility
  • Information and Media Literacy
  • Communication Skills
  • Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking     

Why is this important?  Recent research shows that approximately 60-85% of the jobs that the current kindergarten class will hold have not even been invented yet.  How do we prepare kids for jobs that we do not even know exist yet.  I think these skills are an important step.  We are attempting to interweave these skills into our teaching at Swift Creek and will continue to work to find better ways to prepare students for the 21st century.  I hope you enjoy the thought provoking links that I have provided.