The term 21st century skills refers to a broad set of knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits that are believed—by educators, school reformers, college professors, employers, and others—to be critically important to success in today’s world, particularly in collegiate programs and contemporary careers and workplaces. Generally speaking, 21st century skills can be applied in all academic subject areas, and in all educational, career, and civic settings throughout a student’s life.
While the specific skills deemed to be “21st century skills” may be defined, categorized, and determined differently from person to person, place to place, or school to school the term does reflect a general—if somewhat loose and shifting—consensus. The following list provides a brief illustrative overview of the knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits commonly associated with 21st century skills:
- Critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, synthesizing information
- Research skills and practices, interrogative questioning
- Creativity, artistry, curiosity, imagination, innovation, personal expression
- Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, initiative
- Oral and written communication, public speaking and presenting, listening
- Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, virtual workspaces
- Information and communication technology (ITC) literacy, media and internet literacy, visual interpretation, data interpretation and analysis, computer programming
- Civic, ethical, and social-justice literacy
- Economic and financial literacy, entrepreneurialism
- Global awareness, multicultural literacy, humanitarianism
- Scientific literacy and reasoning, the scientific method
- Environmental and conservation literacy, ecosystems understanding
- Health and wellness literacy, including nutrition, diet, exercise, and public health and safety
P21 Framework Definitions
To help practitioners integrate skills into the teaching of core academic subjects, the Partnership has developed a unified, collective vision for learning known as the Framework for 21st Century Learning. This Framework describes the skills, knowledgeand expertise students must master to succeed in work and life; it is a blend of contentknowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies.Every 21st century skills implementation requires the development of core academicsubject knowledge and understanding among all students. Those who can think criticallyand communicate effectively must build on a base of core academic subject knowledge.Within the context of core knowledge instruction,
students must also learn theessential skills for success in today’s world, such as critical thinking, problemsolving, communication and collaboration.
When a school or district builds on this foundation, combining the entire Framework with the necessary support systems—standards, assessments, curriculum and instruction,professional development and learning environments—students are more engaged in the learning process and graduate better prepared to thrive in today’s global economy.
While the graphic represents each element distinctly for descriptive purposes,the Partnership views all the components as fully interconnected in the processof 21st century teaching and learningRespect cultural differences and work effectively with people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds
Respond open-mindedly to different ideas and values
Leverage social and cultural differences to create new ideas and increase both innovation and quality of work
PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Manage Projects
Set and meet goals, even in the face of obstacles and competing pressures
Prioritize, plan and manage work to achieve the intended result
Produce Results
Demonstrate additional attributes associated with producing high quality products including the abilities to:
Work positively and ethically
Manage time and projects effectively
Multi-task
Participate actively, as well as be reliable and punctual
Present oneself professionally and with proper etiquette
Collaborate and cooperate effectively with teams
Respect and appreciate team diversity
Be accountable for results LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY Guide and Lead Others
Use interpersonal and problem-solving skills to influence and guide otherstoward a goal
Leverage strengths of others to accomplish a common goal
Inspire others to reach their very best via example and selflessness
Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in using influence and power
Be Responsible to Others
Act responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind 21st CENTURY SUPPORT SYSTEMS
The elements described below are the critical systems necessary to ensure studentmastery of 21st century skills. 21st century standards, assessments, curriculum,instruction, professional development and learning environments must be aligned toproduce a support system that produces 21st century outcomes for today’s students.
21st Century Standards