What is 21st Century Education?

A 21st century education is one that prepares students to succeed in a world where more than half of the jobs that they’ll have over the course of their careers don’t even exist yet. It is an education that is proactively responsive to the technological, economical and societal shifts that are occurring at a rapid pace in our society. A 21st century education is one that ensures that all students are future-ready upon high-school graduation. This means that all students leave NWLSD with the knowledge and skill-sets that they need for success, whether they chose enrollment in higher education, enlistment in the military, or employment in the workforce.

What are 21st Century Classrooms?

In 21st century classrooms, deeper learning experiences purposefully integrate rich academic content with a focus on the development of key skills and competencies. Learning experiences in 21st-century classrooms often have the following characteristics:

  • Project-Based Learning
    • Hands-On
    • Collaborative
    • Multi-Disciplinary
    • Student-Centered
    • Real-World Application
    • Flexibility
  • Student Ownership and Engagement
    • Personal responsibility
    • Strategies like critical thinking and generating hypotheses and extension of learning
    • Motivation to succeed
  • Collaborative Teaching and Cooperative Learning
  • Community Partnerships and Authentic Audiences
  • Mastery of Curriculum and Higher Order Thinking Skills
  • Technology and 21st Century Skills
  • Teachable Moments
  • Reporting and Celebration
    • Student Reflection
    • Important, authentic, real-time work products
  • Fun