How do we prepare today's students for success in the 21st century? What skills will they need to be successful in the world/workforce of tomorrow when we know that information is practically instantaneously accessible through technology today? There is an impending shift necessary in education from merely learning facts and rote practice to APPLYING information (concepts and higher order thinking).
At a recent staff development, Lower campus staff engaged in dialogue and planning around enhancing student opportunities involving the "Four C's of 21st century skills" ; Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Communication. We know that school is a perfect opportunity for students to practice working together, taking risks, sharing ideas clearly, problem solving, and above all, learn to view failure as a critical step in learning. The 4 C's naturally lend themselves to differentiation, and our grade level teams are working together to plan for more opportunities to practice these skills.