“There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces” (2004). I think the information on this website is where all states need to go. I was surprised that there were only a few states have taken the initiative. It does seem like a lot of steps to get started. The website says you need to “get commitment from the governor and chief state school officer and submits an application to P21 that describes the state’s plan to revise standards, create assessments and implement 21st century skills professional development programs” (2004). I wonder if many states have very similar standards, but they have not gone through this program. Getting my masters specializing in integrating technology is helping me become a better educator of the 21st century. There are a great number of businesses on board which will only help get more schools started. Reading the mission statement as well as the “P21 FAQ” page it shows how important technology is for students and for teachers. We need our students to grasps on to the future, and we are the people who need to bring it in. This is where we are headed, if schools are not already there. I enjoy using and learning about 21st century learning, and I hope I will continue to add this excitement in my classroom.
I agree with you about there being a lot of steps to get started. Their mission statement is clear, but I wonder if many states that encounter this organization are hesitant due to the amount of work it would take to realign standards with what would seem to be a yet-to-be-proven endeavor. Granted, these skills are practical and, in probably all cases, relevant to our country's necessity to integrate technology. But is there enough presented to really entice a state to go through all steps needed to join this partnership? Maybe that is why not many states seem to be on board.
ReplyDeleteWow, I did not get as far into the application process as you did. Maybe that is why there are not many states on the list. However, I do wish that more states would show interest in this program because as you stated many states do have different standards and this may push the states to align what is going on in education. I know that right now Illinois is rewriting their state standards for education, and I am going to look further into if they are going to adopt this program because they would already be into part of the application process. Did you happen to find any resources on the site that show this program as either a success or failure in some way? I keep trying to see what the downfalls are for the program, but all I see is what is good about it with no real evidence of its success. Just wondering if you see the same thing.
ReplyDeleteMr Severino, I have not seen any downfalls either. They are trying to advertise themselves in a positive way, but I agree that it would be important to see what the challenges are.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that we are all getting the opportunity to grow as technology advocates and getting exposed to so many wonderful opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI know that this program needs approval from the governor. Wouldn't you think that this would be a major undertaking for a state's department of education?
I agree that every state should get involved. It's a shame that so many resources are going into standardized tests and accountability, and not more programs like this.