What Students Must Know… (to Succeed in the New Century)

Parents, educators, and others must prepare children to succeed in tomorrow’s world, providing them with not only technical competence, but ethical and interpersonal abilities as well.

      The long (or not so long, depending on your perspective) hot summer is over. Students, teachers, administrators, and parents are in the process of settling in for the traditional school year. By now, new kindergarten students are getting accustomed to going to elementary schools with the "big kids." These same kindergarten students will graduate from high school in the year 2009. From my personal experience, I can attest that this thirteen year period will seem to fly by just like the summer break that just ended. Since the turn of the century is just around the corner, I would like to share with you the results of a study that was conducted by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) addressing the most important knowledge, skills and behaviors that K-12 students will need to develop in order for them to prosper in the 21st century. A special report on these findings was published in the July-August 1996 issue of The Futurist, a publication of the World Future Society.

      The results, which are outlined below, are based on feedback received from a panel of 55 distinguished experts in such fields as education, business, government, psychology, sociology, anthropology, demography and more. Paul Houston, ASSA Executive Director stated, "When we talk about preparing young people for the twenty-first century, we’re talking about now. The countdown has begun." Here are the results.

Part I: What Students Must Know

ACADEMIC SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Writing skills to enable students to communicate effectively.

· Comprehensive reading and understanding skills.

· Use of math, logic, and reasoning skills; functional and operational literacy; and an understanding of statistics.

· Scientific knowledge base, including applied science.

· Skill in the use of computer and other technologies.

· Effective information accessing and processing skills using technology.

· Ability to conduct research and interpret and apply data.

· Knowledge of American history and government to function in a democratic society.

· An understanding of the history of the world and world affairs.

· Knowledge of world geography.

· Knowledge of foreign languages.

PERSONAL AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

· Oral and written communication skills.

· Critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

· Self-discipline; the ability to act responsibly, apply ethical principles, and set and assess goals.

· Adaptability and flexibility.

· Critical interpersonal skills, including speaking, listening, and the ability to be part of a team.

· Respect for the value of effort, understanding the work ethic and need for individual contributions, and self-discipline.

· Being excited about life and setting goals for lifelong learning.

CIVIL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Multicultural understanding, including insights into diversity and the need for an international perspective.

· Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

· Understanding and practicing honesty, integrity, and the "golden rule."

· Understanding and respect for those not like oneself – an appreciation of diversity.

· Ability to take increased responsibility for one’s own actions.

Part II: What Schools and Parents Can Do to Prepare Students for the 21st Century

ACTIONS FOR SCHOOLS

· Incorporate "marketplace" technology in learning and as part of graduation requirements, and ensure that new and emerging technologies are incorporated into the school program.

· Respect all students’ abilities to learn by promoting "active" versus passive learning.

· Commit greater time for professional development for teachers and administrators.

· Develop world-class standards, redefine the basics, and clarfty what is expected of students.

· Provide more time for students and teachers to work on "real world" projects.

· Increase parental involvement in the schools.

· Strengthen the authority and control of schools and teachers.

ACTION FOR PARENTS

· Work cooperatively with teachers and the school. Visit and communicate with the school.

· Support education and schools. Take an active interest in children’s school work.

· Provide a rich, stable home learning environment.

· Read to and with children.

· Spend more quality time with children.

· Use the best of TV, then turn off the rest. Foster media skills.

· Model moral/ethical behavior and decision making.

· Enhance children’s self-esteem through attention and care.

· Model and value the concept of lifelong learning.

      As we approach the new century, parents, teachers, citizens, government leaders, and businesses have an opportunity to effectively collaborate for the future of our children and our society. Our students and our educational systems must be surrounded by a concerned and dedicated network of facilitators to ensure that a fertile environment is established and maintained for the lifelong learning of our children.

     A complete text of the report titled, Preparing Students for the 21st Century (74 pages), is available for $11.95 plus S&H through the World Future Society by calling (800) 989-8274. A reprint of the special report article titled, What Students Must Know to Success in the 21st Century, that appeared in The Futurist magazine is also available through the World Future Society for $3.00 plus S&H.

Ray Vaudo E-Mail: Vaudo@aol.com