Week 4 –EVALUATING 21^ST CENTURY SKILLS

                                                                         

REACTION TO THE SITE:

I am extremely impressed and very excited about this Partnership For 21^st Century Skills website, because of its wealth of information, knowledge, and Resources for teachers to become better equipped to instruct and successfully prepare their students with 21^st century skills. It is exciting to know that behind the scenes, folks that none of us ever think about are plotting and planning for a better tomorrow for teachers and their students.  Businesses such as APPLE INC, CABLE IN THE CLASSROOM, DESTINATION IMAGINATION, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, GODDARD SCHOOL, LEGO, EDUCATION  have formed a partnership in an effort to help make instruction more exciting for both the teacher and the student.  (http://www.p21.org/members-states/member-organizations

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED: 

I was pleasantly surprised to see free resources such as virtual tours, videos, and books, and free online courses, and the New Teacher Center.  I especially like the video clip about teacher mentoring.  In the video it was stated that the start of a teaching career should not be left to chance.” (http://communities.newteachercenter.org/).  I absolutely agree with this statement, because so many new teachers are drained within the first six months from the fear of failing, being blamed for not being able to manage to teach and discipline at the same time.  Now with the new trend in preparing teachers to prepare students effectively, there is more of a team effort happening, and that is great to see.

Although I cannot honestly find anything in this site to disagree with, I will admit that my previous assumption that there is very little help out there for us struggling teachers, was shattered after viewing this site.  I now realize that there is a wealth of resources readily available to teachers, and that very important and caring people have collaborated to make such a site visible and readily available to teachers. (http://www.p21.org/members-states/member-organizations).  Just this site alone is so rich with vital information and resources that once the information is shared with others, there is only room for more growth for all teachers. 

IMPLICATIONS:

The implication of gradual change and eventual success with a site like this one is extremely welcomed. I am most grateful that these businesses came together to create a mission statement that is strong and defiant against failing school systems that are outdated and sets both the teacher and the students up for failure.  I am in favor of the Partnerships for 21^st Century Skills Website 100 percent, because the collaborative efforts in education, business communities, and government leaders will absolutely paid off. They have done a fabulous job here, and I cannot wait to share with others.