Common Core Event: What is the Proper Role of Skills in the Curriculum
On February 24, Common Core held a panel discussion to critique the idea of 21st century skills. Discussants included: Diane Ravitch, E.D. Hirsch Jr., Daniel Willingham, and Ken Kay. Remarks from panelists can found be here.
We knew that this topic is a contentious one that would peak lots of interest. It did: with more than 100 people in attendance, there was not an empty spot in the room (many attendees event found a semi-comfortable spot on the floor).
Ravitch, Hirsch, and Willingham challenged Kay on the idea that learning skills is more important than understanding the content to which one applies skills.
Hirsch stated “The error at the heart of P21 (Partnership for 21st Century Skills) is the idea that skills are all-purpose muscles that, once developed, can be applied to new and unforeseen domains of experience.” More quotes from panelists on Flypaper.
Which is the point that many critics of the 21st century skills movement have said: knowledge is the foundation for learning.
Kay asserted that he believes P21 is driving the content and skills movement. But if that were actually the case then that is what he would’ve called it: the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and Content. Ravitch challenged him to rebrand.
P21 is focused more on business interests than on student learning interests. Yes, all kids need to learn how to be good critical thinkers, communicators, and collaborators. They need to be tech savvy, globally aware, and financially intelligent as well. But, do these skills need to be assessed by schools? Should they become a part of state standards? Ken Kay did not make a strong case that they should.
Robert Pondiscio over at the Core Knowledge Blog says:
A broad, solid knowledge-based curriculum is square one for developing “21st Century Skills.” Inspired, creative teaching–not wish fulfillment codified by squishy, ill-defined standards–gets us the rest of the way. That might not fit on a bumper sticker, but it might work.
Tags: 21st_century_skills, event