The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) is a US organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student (http://www.p21.org). P21 has identified six key elements children need to succeed in the 21st Century:
1. Core Subjects
It has been identified the core subjects as English, reading or language arts; mathematics; science; foreign languages; civics; government; economics; arts; history; and geography.
2. 21st Century Content
Several significant, emerging content areas are critical to success in communities and workplaces. These content areas are:
- Global awareness
- Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
- Civic literacy
- Health and wellness awareness
- Environmental literacy
3. Learning and Thinking Skills
As much as students need to learn academic content, they also need to know how to keep learning and make effective and innovative use of what they know, throughout their lives. Learning and Thinking Skills are comprised of:
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
- Communication Skills
- Creativity and Innovation Skills
- Collaboration Skills
- Information and Media Literacy Skills
- Contextual Learning Skills
4. ICT Literacy
Information and communications technology (ICT) literacy is the ability to use technology to develop 21st century content knowledge and skills, in support of 21st century teaching and learning
5. Life Skills
Good teachers have always incorporated life skills into their pedagogy. The challenge today is to incorporate these essential skills into schools deliberately, strategically and broadly. Life skills include:
- Leadership
- Ethics
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Personal Productivity
- Personal Responsibility
- People Skills
- Self Direction
- Social Responsibility
6. 21st Century Assessments
Authentic 21st century assessments are the essential foundation of a 21st century education. Assessments must measure all five results that matter; core subjects, 21st century content, learning skills, ICT literacy, and life skills.
A balance of assessments, including high-quality standardized testing along with effective classroom assessments, offers students a powerful way to master the content and skills central to success.
