As with most all change, leaders can run into frustrating resistance from many angles: those with vested interests in the old ways, those with unpleasant past experiences with change, and those who just don't understand or buy into things as quickly as others.
Such is certainly the case with a transition to "21st Century Learning", described by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills as:
Mastery of core subjects and 21st century themes is essential for students in the 21st century. Core subjects include English, reading or language arts, world languages, arts, mathematics, economics,science, geography, history, government and civics.
We believe schools must move beyond a focus on basic competency in core subjects to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects:
• Global Awareness
• Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy
• Civic Literacy
Not surprisingly, some parents have concerns, such as this situation in Putnam County. It is important for all leaders who are promoting, or being asked to accept, 21st Century Learning models to fully understand the rational. Our education leaders at the community level must be able to proactively communicate the changes to parents who often scratch their heads at some of the "new stuff" coming at their kids.
We are very excited about the "Education and Talent" track at the Create WV Conference coming up Oct 20-22 at Snowshoe Resort. We hope you will take the time to personally invite your board of education and superintendent of schools to attend. It will be a great opportunity for learning, sharing and dialogue towards a West Virginia that can lead the nation and compete globally with kids prepared for the 21st Century marketplace.
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