Common Core Toolkit Aligns Standards with 21st Century Skills Framework

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has released a new toolkit designed to help state and district education leaders implement Common Core State Standards within the P21 Framework for 21st Century Skills.

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. The group provides the Framework for 21st Century Learning, a roadmap for education centered around technology and skills-focused learning.

The framework focuses largely on student outcomes in 21st century learning areas, including life and career skills, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, technology and information/media literacy, and core academic subjects using 21st century themes. It also includes guidelines for the supports required for 21st century learning, including standards and assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development, and learning environments.

Common Core State Standards have been adopted by most states and several territories in the United States. Common Core State Standards are designed to provide a national, standardized set of academic standards as an alternative to those previously developed by the states on an individual basis.

The new toolkit links Common Core State Standards with the 21st century framework, providing both an overview of alignment between the two and examples and sample lessons. It also includes a compilation of Common Core and assessment resources for education leaders.

"We are very excited to be part of P21 and developing this important work," said Terry Holliday, chair of the state advisory committee within the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and commissioner of education for the state of Kentucky.. "In Kentucky we are already working with teachers on integrating the P21 Framework alongside Common Core standards, and this Toolkit will provide a great opportunity for teachers to see what 21st century skills look like in the classroom."

The complete 45-page P21 Common Core Toolkit is available as a free PDF download. Additional details can be found on P21's Common Core Toolkit portal.

Featured

  • open digital book with a glowing holographic AI assistant emerging from its pages

    Partnership Brings AI Teaching Assistant to SchoolsPLP Course Library

    SchoolsPLP, a provider of PreK-12 digital curriculum and learning solutions, has partnered with Agilix Labs to integrate the latter's BusyBee AI teaching assistant into its K-12 course library.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft Shutting Down Skype

    Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.