Awards

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Names 15 Exemplar Schools

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 12/03/14

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) has named 15 schools as exemplars of 21st century learning for the upcoming year.

P21's 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program is designed to highlight schools that have improved student learning by incorporating the organization's P21 Framework into assessment, curriculum, practice and professional development.

"These schools represent a wide range of learning environments, instructional frameworks and school cultures, reflecting the diverse settings in which the P21 Framework can contribute to student success, and where 21st century learning implementation is taking place," according to a news release.
The organization creates multimedia case studies, with videos and podcasts, highlighting key practices at exemplar schools. Case studies of the 15 newest exemplars are currently in production.

The 2015 winners include 10 public schools, two independent schools, two charter schools and a private early learning school. They are:

• AIM Academy, Conshochken, Pennsylvania;
• Discovery Day Academy, Bonita Springs, Florida;
• Hopewell Elementary School, Trinity, North Carolina;
• Katherine Smith School, San Jose, California;
• Manor New Technology High School, Manor, Texas;
• MaST Community Charter School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
• The Meadowbrook School, Weston, Massachusetts;
• New Century International Elementary School, Fayetteville, North Carolina;
• Ocean Lakes High School, Virginia Beach, Virginia;
• Saluda Trail Middle School, Rock Hill, South Carolina;
• Sammamish Senior High School, Bellevue, Washington;
• Two Rivers Public Charter School, Washington, DC;
• Warren Central High School, Indianapolis, Indiana;
• Weidner School of Inquiry at Plymouth High School, Plymouth, Indiana; and
• William H. Owen Elementary School, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

"We are thrilled to share what's working in education through the stories of these tremendous schools," said Helen Soulé, P21 executive director and program director, in a prepared statement. "It's clear that there is no one way to create 21st century learning environments and that the efforts of thousands of educators and community members are paying off for students. P21 is proud to work with our members and partners to make 21st century learning accessible for all students."

To see case studies of previous exemplars or to nominate a school for the next round, visit p21.org.