School Systems not Keeping with the Times
An article in a recent issue of Time Magazine says that in a society filled will technological development, social change, and health care advances, one thing remains a shining beacon of the past: our school systems.
“Today’s economy demands not only high-level competence in the traditional academic disciplines, but also what might be called 21st century skills.”
The big issue, say the article’s authors, is that kids who graduate from our schools will not have the skills required to make it the world outside of school. It’s a global economy, and students need to be prepared for it in school, so that they can participate in the global market.
But what does this mean? What are the 21st century skills?
It’s things like:
- Knowing more about the world—being globally literate
- Thinking outside the box—having interdisciplinary skills
- Becoming smarter about new sources of information—being media savvy
- Developing good people skills—having excellent communication and team work skills
So, if schools aren’t modernized, then how can they possibly produce students who are able to compete in the modern world?
The answer, according to Time, is that for the most part, they can’t and they aren’t.
But, there are exceptions. The article gives some examples of “enterprising administrators” and what they are doing to adapt their curriculum to the ever-changing market. Things like teaching media awareness, information and communication technology awareness, collaborations skills, and second or third language development were noted in the curriculum in the standout schools.
Education analysts pointed to other key skills needed to make students globally viable:
- Critical thinking
- Making connections between ideas
- Knowing how to keep on learning
How to Bring U.S. Schools out of the 20th Century. Claudia Wallis and Sonja Steptoe Time Magazine. December 18, 2006
What is your school, your kid’s school doing that is exceptional-that is cutting edge or forward thinking? We’d love to know.
Tell us. Leave a comment in the space below.
I whole heartedly agree that the schools of today are not preparing professionals of tomorrow. We need to take the schools, kicking and dragging into the new melinium. Our participation in School Councils and continuous communicatin with School Trustees is something that we as parents can do.
I totaly agree, todays schools are absolutely behind the times, they are still stuck in the 19th century. We need some new schools, even private, which focus on the needs of the future leaders in mind.
I share your idea, our schools are somehow traditionnal, they educate always the same thing, they keep the old lessons, and never rechange, i agree that were still living in the 19th century
I am an early years educator Even though I have been in this field for over 4 decades. Your site has impressed me. I am a learner and doer. It is a great way to share this information to parents. I meet many anxious parents with numerous questions. I believe parents need a refresher’s course and guidance from time to time.