Framework for 21st Century Learning

Framework for 21st Century Learning

The Framework presents a holistic view of 21st century teaching and learning that combines a discrete focus on 21st century student outcomes (a blending of specific skills, content knowledge, expertise and literacies) with innovative support systems to help students master the multi-dimensional abilities required of them in the 21st century.

While the graphic represents each element distinctly for descriptive purposes, the Partnership views all the components as fully interconnected in the process of 21st century teaching and learning.

The elements described below are the critical systems necessary to ensure 21st century readiness for every student. Twenty-first century standards, assessments, curriculum, instruction, professional development and learning environments must be aligned to produce a support system that produces 21st century outcomes for today’s students.

Twenty-First Century Student Outcomes and Support Systems

• Download a brief PDF version of the Framework here.
• Download the full P21 Framework Definitions document.
• Visit Route 21 for an interactive view of the framework here.

Twenty-First Century Student Outcomes

The elements described in this section as “21st century student outcomes” (represented by the rainbow) are the skills, knowledge and expertise students should master to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.

1. Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes
Mastery of core subjects and 21st century themes is essential for students in the 21st century. Core subjects include:

• English, reading or language arts
• World languages
• Arts
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Government and Civics

In addition to these subjects, we believe schools must move beyond a focus on basic competency in core subjects to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects:

• Global awareness
• Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
• Civic literacy
• Health literacy
• Environmental literacy

2. Learning and Innovation Skills 

Learning and innovation skills increasingly are being recognized as the skills that separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, and those who are not. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future. 

• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communication and Collaboration

3. Information, Media and Technology Skills

People in the 21st century live in a technology and media-suffused environment, marked by various characteristics, including: 1) access to an abundance of information, 2) rapid changes in technology tools, and 3) the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. To be effective in the 21st century, citizens and workers must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media and technology.

• Information Literacy
• Media Literacy
• ICT Literacy

4. Life and Career Skills 

Today’s life and work environments require far more than thinking skills and content knowledge. The ability to navigate the complex life and work environments in the globally competitive information age requires students to pay rigorous attention to developing adequate life and career skills.

FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

Adapt to Change

• Adapt to varied roles, jobs responsibilities, schedules and context
• Work effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing priorities

Be Flexible

• Incorporate feedback effectively
• Deal positively with praise, setbacks and criticism
• Understand, negotiate and balance diverse views and beliefs to reach workable solutions, particularly in multi-cultural environments

INITIATIVE AND SELF-DIRECTION

Manage Goals and Time

• Set goals with tangible and intangible success criteria
• Balance tactical (short-term) and strategic (long-term) goals
• Utilize time and manage workload efficiently

Work Independently

• Monitor, define, prioritize and complete tasks without direct oversight

Be Self-directed Learners

• Go beyond basic mastery of skills and/or curriculum to explore and expand one’s own learning and opportunities to gain expertise
• Demonstrate initiative to advance skill levels towards a professional level
• Demonstrate commitment to learning as a lifelong process
• Reflect critically on past experiences in order to inform future progress

SOCIAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL SKILLS

Interact Effectively with Others

• Know when it is appropriate to listen and when to speak
• Conduct themselves in a respectable, professional manner

Work Effectively in Diverse Teams

• Respect 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 pressure
• 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 others toward a goal
• Leverage strengths of others to accomplish a common goal
• Inspire others to reach their very best via example and selflessnes
• Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in using influence and power

Twenty-First Century Support Systems

The elements described below are the critical systems necessary to ensure student mastery of 21st century skills. 21st century standards, assessments, curriculum, instruction, professional development and learning environments must be aligned to produce a support system that produces 21st century outcomes for today’s students.

 
1. Twenty-First Century Standards

2. Assessment of 21st Century Skills

3. Twenty-First Century Curriculum and Instruction

4. Twenty-First Century Professional Development

5. Twenty-First Century Learning Environments

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12-10-2010