District Administration - May 2006 - (Page 23)

New Report Aims to Bring High Schools Into 21st Century he necessity of teaching students T 21st century skills and sugges- 6 Key Elements: tions to achieve that goal is the 1. Continue to focus on English, math, science, foreign languages, civics, govern- focus of a new report from the Part- ment, economics, arts, history and geography nership for 21st Century Skills. Results That Matter: 21st Century 2. Incorporate 21st century content into the curriculum, such as global awareness, civic Skills and High School Reform outlines literacy, health awareness, and financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy six elements the partnership claims 3. Teach learning and thinking skills are essential to returning America to 4. Teach information and communications technology a competitive footing in the interna- 5. Teach life skills, such as ethics and personal responsibility t iona l education scene. 6. Incorporate 21st century assessments into education Standardized tests alone can measure only a few of the important skills and knowledge students should On the 2003 Programme for Improving the value of a high learn, the report states. International Student Assessment school education improves the work T he partnership's vision is to math exam, 15-year-old American force, said partnership President spark a dialogue, said partnership students ranked 24th out of 29 coun- Ken Kay, who was also on the call. chair John Wilson during a recent t r ies. And a 2005 survey for the Wilson said incorporating the key teleconference announcing the National Association of Manufactur- elements into curricula would report. Scott Montgomery, COO of ers showed that 84 percent of Ameri- increase rigor without creating a the Council of Chief State School ca n employers say students are ill need for extra classes. The plan also Officers, added that advocates of high prepared for the workplace. emphasizes that schools work with school redesign should work together. business to determine what skills students need. Employees are encour- aged to be mentors and businesses High School Dropouts should share technological resources. Suggestions for districts include Are Costly providing professional development to assist teachers in incorporating When 1.2 million students dropped out of high school in 2004, it cost the U.S. more 21st century skills into their lessons; providing internship opportunities; than $325 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetimes, according and reaching out to businesses and to the Alliance for Excellent Education. colleges. www.21stcenturyskills.org While states report higher graduation rates, research shows that nationally, only Ann McClure about two-thirds of students who enter ninth grade will graduate with a typical diploma four or five years later. The analysis is based on a recent report by Princeton University researcher Cecilia Rouse, noting that dropouts are less likely to get a job and earn as much as a high school graduate, meaning dropouts will pay significantly less taxes over their lifetime. May 2006 23 www.DistrictAdministration.com DA_506_Update.w.indd 23 4/14/06 10:48:35 AM http://www.21stcenturyskills.org http://www.DistrictAdministration.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2006

Contents
Editor's Letter
Listening In
Update
Inside the Law
Curriculum Update
Administrator Profile
District Profile
Sports & Civics
Q&A: Lessons for Tomorrow
Cover Story: Special Ed's Greatest Challenges and Solutions
Dome Sweet Dome
Smart Design
Rotten Apples
The Online Edge
Speaking Out
Principal Opinion
Public Opinion
Problem/Solution
Leadership Books
Laptop Roundup
New Products
By the Numbers

District Administration - May 2006