21st Century Skills

After viewing the website, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, I am thrilled to know that there are people and businesses in society that are making attempts to bridge the gap between the classroom and the business world. I was amazed to find out that this partnership has been in existence since 2002. Being a 2005 college graduate in the education field I am somewhat astonished that we as future teachers were not informed about this attempt to bring the 21st century skills into the classroom and this partnership that was formed in order to help make this a reality.

The website discusses the approach to making certain that the youth of society is prepared for the real world. One topic that was discussed was assessment. It was mentioned that “assessments must measure all five results that matter — core subjects; 21st century content; learning skills; ICT literacy; and life skills (2004).” I find this to be very interesting considering that the students in the state of Ohio take MANY standardized tests that assess only the content knowledge that students have learned throughout the year. These test also require students to use their knowledge of skills taught in the classroom and how to adapt them in different situations. However, these test truly do not measure what students are really capable of achieving.

In addition to the amazement that this partnership exists and it’s views on how to make the 21st century skills come alive in the classroom, I was taken aback by the many members of both the business and education professions that belong to the partnership; however, I am disappointed in the progress that they have made thus far. Many of the partners are part of the technology world. With this being said, one would assume that more efforts would be made on their behalf to help equip our schools with the most up to date technology. In addition to this disappointment, I am also unsatisfied with the number of states that are included in this partnership. Why is it that only a small number are part of this? Do all states know about this opportunity and/or how to get involved? What are your thoughts on this issue?

Why do I have this blog?

It is very important that I get a feeling for where all of my students are at both academically and socially. However, being a teacher in third grade, this may be very difficult to do. Many of my students are very quiet and do not enjoy the opportunities to verbally share their thoughts and opinions about specific topics all because they fear what their classmates might think of them or say. This blog will be a place where my students can freely express their thoughts/opinions about a topic and make appropriate comments on their classmates thoughts/opinions pertaining to the same topic.

In the beginning of the school year I would like this blog to be a place where my students can come and share a fun thing that they can remember from second grade and their thoughts, feelings, and fears about being in third grade.

Throughout the year this will also be a place to display the work of my students. Third graders have wonderful imaginations and all of them whether they know it or not, have many talents. This will be a place where their masterpieces will be put on display for not only our classmates and families, but also the entire world.

Blogging is a great way for my students to share their thoughts with me and with their classmates, but it is also a great way for students across grade levels to communicate with one another. This will be an adventure that many students may not have the opportunity to embark on.