21st Century Skills

The leading advocacy organization infusing 21st century skills into education.

MISSION STATEMENT
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

TWENTY FIRST CENTURY CHILDREN
Every child in American needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers and leaders in the 21st century.

There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces.

To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real world environments by infusing 21st century skills.

This skills set includes:

  • Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)
  • Thinking
    and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem
    identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual
    curiosity)
  • Interpersonal and self-direction skills
    (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability
    and adaptability; social responsibility)
  • Global awareness
  • Financial,
    economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills
    to enhance workplace productivity and career options
  • Civic literacy