Professional Development Program Targets 21st Century Skills
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is expanding its efforts to bring 21st century skills into the classroom with a new program focused on professional development.
Through the new P21 Professional Development Affiliate program, participants are bring provided with the tools to "align their already robust professional development programs with the Partnership's Framework for 21st [Century] Learning," according to the organization. The Framework is a roadmap for education centered around technology and skills-focused learning.
The new program launched last week with inaugural participants from 11 organizations, including the Arizona K-12 Center, Atomic Learning, the Center for Education Innovation and Regional Economic Development, EdVantia, EdVenture Group, Learning Point Associates, Metiri Group, National Education Association, Pearson, Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, and Virtual High School.
"As more and more states and districts embrace 21st century skills," according to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, "there is an exponentially growing need for assistance in embedding these skills into schools and classrooms. The affiliate program fills this void by creating a national network of providers proficient in helping teachers and administrators implement the Framework."
"It has become apparent that all levels of American society--the public, business community, educators and policymakers--understand the importance 21st century skills play in graduating students capable of succeeding in today's global economy," said Ken Kay, president of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, in a statement released Wednesday. "With the launch of this innovative program, the Partnership is filling the necessity of aligning professional development with 21st century skills. I am confident that the program empowers practitioners to move this powerful vision to influential action."
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is a coalition of business and education groups focused on technology education and the integration of technology into education. Its membership includes organizations ranging from technology companies like Adobe, Apple, Intel, and Microsoft to education organizations like the American Association of School Librarians and the NEA.