To meet demands of the new global economy, 21st century Life
and Career Skills assist in synthesizing information, working
effectively in diverse teams, managing complex projects, and
demonstrating responsibility to the community and environment.
P21 advocates for learning that focuses on leadership and
responsibility, productivity and accountability, and cross-cultural
skills. Under P21 standards, learners are able to set and meet goals,
plan and prioritize work, multitask effectively, and act in an ethical
and professional manner.
Studies indicate that employers are seeking candidates with more
than “book smarts.” Instead, they are looking for traits such as
adaptability, ingenuity, accountability, and a team-first orientation.
These skills were identified as being valuable across a range of
industries as well as one’s personal life (Murnane and Levy 1996;
Levy and Murnane 2004; Casner and Barrington 2006).