The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21)

I like the makeup of this website and it’s mission. A combination of the 3Rs and 4Cs are the framework. The 3Rs include: English, reading or language arts; mathematics; science; foreign languages; civics; government; economics; arts; history; and geography. The 4Cs include: critical thinking and problem solving; communication, collaboration; and creativity and innovation. Combined with media and technology skills, there is a complete framework for student success.

I love how there is a strategic council formulated just for P21 that includes financial experts, directors of education, and technology gurus all from well known companies such as Disney, Crayola, and Lego, Apple, and PBS. This means many different views are represented and considered regarding education and its ties to the 21^st century.

It is wonderful to view resources available for educators, policymakers, and the community. Literature, research information, and the importance of the reason behind 21^st century education can all be found on the website.

 I enjoyed reading about the case study of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School where they have focused on project-based learning with more intense development of collaboration and communication between students. The staff at the school are also putting this initiative into practice as well with use of learning communities and professional development in their efforts for student success. I have recently challenged myself to help my students be more collaborative on a daily basis in my own classroom. Over the past couple of years I have noticed a lack of communication in students because of a substantial neglect when it comes to supervision of technology. Students are playing video games and listening to their iPods instead of verbally communicating with people.

I have noticed that there are many events scheduled for the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills, including presentations and radio shows, but have noticed a lack of webinars. I feel, as an educator, to help me succeed in my endeavors the most, webinars would be more convenient for me to learn more about 21^st century skills, considering I have a classroom 5 days out of the week.

Overall, I am very pleased to evaluate this website. I would strongly suggest anyone wanting to research 21^st century skills to take a look at this website to gain more knowledge of proven success. 

http://www.p21.org/index.php

Letter E

b l o g .1.

I always said I would never create a blog-- initially thinking it was a waste of time. Here I am, though, writing my very first blog with a changed point of view.

Although it is a requirement for school, I feel a blog will be a great learning experience for me. I am excited to create a place personally for me, my students, and colleagues in which everyone will grow.

Being a Pre-K teacher I understand my students will not physically be able to compose blogs of their own to contribute to my page. But, all is not lost. There are several other ways I feel I can involve my students in blogging without them physically writing something.

My blog will be a combination of showcasing student creations and informing educators on our classroom routines, projects, and centers for each letter we learn. There are many blogs and websites I visit weekly that do exactly what I am hoping to do—but, it will be specific and personal to me and the students I teach.

Enjoy!