The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate how one secondary
school, known for its high quality educational program, is infusing the pedagogical
elements that are conducive for a 21 st century education. The administration’s vision
along with teacher interviews and classroom observations were used to understand if the
school was effectively articulating its program with the needs of the 21 st century learner
and the changing 21 st century workplace. In order to successfully prepare the students and
meet their educational needs, teachers are asked to integrate higher level thinking skills
through the use of problem based learning while using technology in a meaningful way.
Administration setting unrealistic professional goals without lending practical and
meaningful support has made it very difficult for the teachers to successfully implement a
successful 21 st century educational program.
The research questions focused on the administration’s understanding of 21 st
century educational needs and teacher belief systems when approaching instruction for
the Net-Gen students in order to explore how alignment between realities in the
classroom and district vision can be reached. Interviews were conducted with three
teachers and one administrator. Classroom observations were conducted using a rubric
synthesized from the Partnership of 21 st Century Skills and International Society of
Technology Education (ISTE) that stress the new 3 R’s of rigor, relevance and resources.
Common themes emerged through the case study. The district’s vision and its
approach to professional development were over arching themes that influenced much of
the school’s idea of 21 st century learning. External and internal barriers to meaningful
technology integration were also evident in the study. With many school reforms,
teachers needed tailored professional development to facilitate instruction that
incorporates real world relevance and critical thinking. The disconnect between the
teacher and administrator’s perception of 21 st century education were also integral in
exploring this school’s approach to 21 st century education. Although classroom
observations showed that teachers are attempting some elements of a 21 st century
instructional context, the study found that there is a weak articulation of the vision to the
teachers. Recommendations were included for school districts, administrative teams and
further research.