Shifting Systems in Sync
As head of public education for West Virginia, a state known for its
beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and its long association with coal
mining, Steve Paine knows that his students need to move forward
into the 21st century. So West Virginia got an early start with its 21st
Century Learning initiative.1
The initiative focused on
• Internationally rigorous and relevant curriculum standards
(including content, learning skills, and technical tool skills)
• A balanced assessment strategy
• Research-based instructional practices
• A parallel accountability system
• Aligned teacher preparation programs
• The development of a 21st century leadership continuum
• Emphasis on pre-K programs
• The integration of technology tools in every classroom
How will West Virginia schools achieve these goals? How does
any school, any district, any state or province, or any nation go
about transforming 20th century factory-model school systems
into a network of 21st century learning centers? The future of
their communities, the health of their economies, and the welfare
of their citizens are entirely dependent on prep