Another potenctially heated debate looms over U.S. educators
Studies show that U.S. students are falling behind their foreign counterparts when it comes to technological literacy. For years educators have realized the increased importance of integrating technology into the classroom. Until now no one has stepped forward to address this dilemma. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is spear heading the movement to take our students into the 21st century when it comes to technology here in the U.S.
This is an informative Web site with a clear mission to "serve as a catalyst to position 21st century skills at the center of US K-12 education by building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community, and government leaders." This group focuses on learning and thinking skills, ITC literacy, and life skills in an effort to prepare American children to become "effective citizens, leaders, and workers in the 21st century."
Although this sounds like a great idea that we all should be excited about joining, I find it frightening that only ten states are involved with this program. This partnership was founded in 2002 so it seems we have been aware of this pending discrepency of technology in our schools for a long time. So why are other states not getting involved?
We have all seen the forcast. If we do not take an proactive role in educating our students for the 21st century they will be forced to work 20th century jobs. Take a look at the Web site. What are your thoughts? Who should the bear burden of 21st education? Are teachers ready for another poorly funded federal or state mandate to be thrown on them? Can we afford not to be involved? Is it already too late?
Information comes from The Partnership for 21st Century Skills
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Paul,
ReplyDeleteAs educators, I feel that it is our responsibility to implement appropriate curriculum and technology programs to meet the needs of 21st century skills. However, we do need the support of our districts and administration to do this. If our schools do not allow us to utilize wikis, weblogs, etc. in our classroom environment, than we are doing the children a great injustice. As the title said, "Partnership." Whether we are involved in this organization or not, the Department of Education, the school districts, and teachers all need to work together to do what is best for our children so that they are successful.
I do understand your thought about having another state mandate thrown at us. From personal experience, the teachers in our school seem to become more burnt out each new year that approaches. Just as many other schools, new programs and expectations are being presented for teachers to carry out. Their is much pressure on teachers to ensure that we provide the students the best education possible. Therefore, I am not sure how teachers would feel about getting another responsbility placed upon them. I suppose I would feel pretty overwhelmed as always, but I do what I have to do to make sure the students are successful. That comes with the territory of being an educator.
I do agree with you on the fact that there are only ten states involved in this program. It is odd that there are 50 states and only 10 are a part of this program. I also do agree that if states want us to impliment 21st century skills into the classroom, then they need to let us be a part of blogs, wikis and social networking sites. I hope that something changes soon, soon enough before it is too late and the skills needed will be to far gone to teach.
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. It is frightening that only 10 of our states are joining this effort. All states should be taking an acting role in better educating our future workforce now. Our children need to learn the necessary skills to compete globally in leading positions such as engineering, science, math and technology. I think we all need to get involved, not only administrators and teachers, but also parents. We also need to elect government official who have a vision of moving education into the right direction. Now with a new president we can only hope that change will happen. We can also hope for the end of TAKS testing, sufficient school funding, and better teacher pay. Perhaps if those changes happen in the education landscape more talent will be attracted and retained in this field.
I don’t think it is too late to change education but something needs to start happening really soon.