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21st Century Learning and Workforce Readiness

The ACOT (Apple Classroom of Tomorrow) white paper noted that the most desired qualities for employers are: work ethic, collaboration, social responsibility, critical thinking and problem solving. These traits support innovation and creativity, and an informed assessment will use many different technology tools to record this type of development. I enjoyed that these topics of technology integration, and a more social emotional learning component are both parts of 21st century learning. The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) model elaborates on this integration, as all content areas can include these ingredients for rich and full learning. ​P21 brings to light that the traditional stagnant model of education is being quickly passed be ubiquitous ​reach of technology and innovation.

Beyond the Factory-School

The factory-schools no longer meet the needs of the 21st century workplace. But how to you instill a good work ethic, social responsibility, and critical thinking? You look at the tangible skills that are valued in the workplace, and you promote those aptitudes. These 21st century skillset is summarized into the 4 C's.

CREATIVITY
Daniel Pink points out that a design degree is just as sought after as a business degree. The world is changing, creativity is a key to innovation. 

COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate ideas across multiple medium is the key to transliteration. It is a process refined through interactions. 

COLLABORATION
The value of collaboration has always been assumed, but in the past two decades we have seen leading businesses and organizations move to facilitate team building and team-based work. 

CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking skills and awareness are important for students’ success in college and beyond. With the plethora of information out there, we must teach our students how to discern and think critically about sources.

21st Century Skills and SEL

The goals of P21's 4 C's, and CASEL's SEL competencies are the same; to foster healthy and productive members of society. The elements of the 4 C's require SEL competence. 

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