Module Two: Framework for 21st Century Learning

Upon reading the Partnership for 21st Century Skills information, I do believe that my school district has the most difficulty in 21st Century Assessment. The 21st Century Assessment supports a balance of assessments, including high-quality standardized testing along with effective classrom formative and summative assessments. Most teachers on staff assess using a standard test that coorelates with book materials. In addition, little evidence exists that staff in the district use any type of "balanced" measures to assess the educational system's effectiveness at reaching high levels of student competency. Most staff are not comfortable using assessment measures that seem to be non traditional and/or technology-enhanced.

Our school district is more advanced in 21st Century Learning Environments. The school facilities are available for community members as needed providing access to quality learning tools, technologies, and resources. In addition, the district is very supportive of student organizations that allow students to compete in 21st Century Skills and compete with other students throughout the state demonstrating the ability to work in a relevent, 21st Century context.

In support of 21st Century Learning Environments, the district created physical environments that support teaching and learning. Teachers have access to newer technologies and have been granted technology support to all projects as needed. The district hired a full-time technology coordinator who is readily available each day and is available to research and implement teacher's requests in using technology to enhance learning.

In reviewing the timeline of the 21st Century Teacher, I view myself to be at the upper end of the scale. I am an information technology teacher and have taught workshops on the use of technology in the classroom. I am continually reading and researching for newer technologies that may be beneficial in the classroom to help students learn 21st Century skills. I do not believe in purchasing newer technology just for the sake of having newer technologies available. Our district purchased a "whiteboard" which was stored in the IMC for two years and now is used in a classroom as a board upon which to project because it is white. Of course, a screen would be much less expensive and suit the purpose. I plan to expand my skills by continuing reading and researching how to use technology effectively to meet students needs. Many times I find myself reading to stay abreast of current developments in technology despite the fact that I will probably not use most of the products hitting the markets. I will continue to work on finding ways to develop students' 21st Century skills.