External Relations

Partnership for 21st Century Skills

Overview of Relationship

Since its inception in 2002, AASL has been a member of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21). P21 has emerged as the leading advocacy organization focused on transforming teaching and learning in the 21st-century. For more information on P21, its members, and tools and resources available to educators and advocates of 21st century skills, visit http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/.

P21 Mission Statement
Serve as a catalyst to position 21st century skills at the center of US K-12 education by building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community, and government leaders

21st Century Children
Every child in American needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers, and leaders in the 21st century.

There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces.

To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges, and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real world environments by infusing 21st century skills.

This skills set includes:

Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)
Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation, and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)
Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)
Global awareness
Financial, economic, and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options
Civic literacy