We’ve read the Partnership for 21st Century Skills’ “National Action Agenda Principles,” and, for the most part, it’s something we could actually endorse. This is primarily because it doesn’t say much of anything substantive at all.
Who would disagree with the notion that “access to the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s world is the right of every child…”?
Or that “the US comprehensively must address both of its educational achievement gaps – the gap between traditionally underserved communities and their more affluent peers – as well as the overall achievement gap between US students and many of their international peers.”?
There are good ways to work toward achieving these goals, but none of them have anything to do with teaching students to text message or figure out a way for everyone in the class to touch a soccer ball–examples of the kind of classroom activities P21 endorses.
Good education is about engaging all students in rigorous, meaningful learning – in the arts, sciences, math, writing, foreign languages, and history – that prepares them for college and work. This should be a national priority.