Phrases like the Prime Minister’s that reflect a commitment to innovative
education also serve as the catalyst for the inception of one the most impressive
prototypes of a 21 st century learning environment: New Tech High School in Napa,
California. The most unique aspect of this non-traditional school is the absence of grades
for courses. Instead eight learning outcomes are identified as integral to the preparation of
the 21 st century worker. (1) Content standards (2) collaboration (3) critical thinking (4)
written communication (5) oral communication (6) career preparation (7) citizenship and
ethics (8) technology literacy are the major components to the educational program of the
9-12 school. In fact, to begin each unit, instructors, “throw students into a real-world or
realistic project that engages interest and generates a list of things they need to know”
(Pearlman, 2006a, p. 3).