Conclusion
For nearly a decade, advocates of education reform, including the
Partnership for 21st Century Skills and its 14 state partners, have
been working toward the 21st century readiness of all learners.
Fundamental changes in the economy, owing to the expansion of
information technology, have reshaped the labor market. The basic
skills that once drove a manufacturing industry are quickly being
replaced by non-routine, creative, and collaborative problemsolving
tasks.
More than technological expertise, 21st Century Skills refer to
content knowledge, literacies, and proficiencies that prepare
individuals to meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s
world. Now more than ever, it is essential for individuals to access,
synthesize, and communicate information, to work collaboratively
across differences to solve complex problems, and to create new
knowledge through the innovative use of multiple technologies.
Educators play a significant role in the cultivation of 21st Century
Skills. By weaving together core-subject mastery and contemporary
interdisciplinary themes, teachers can help learners obtain relevant
career and life skills. The integration of new technologies with
inquiry-, project-, and game-based learning may also increase
opportunities for learning. Along with quality teacher professional
development, a healthy and responsive learning environment is
critical to 21st century success.