Opportunity

"The nation needs to do a much better job teaching and measuring advanced 21st century skills that are the indespensible currency for participation, achievement and competitiveness in the global economy." - 21st Century Skills, Education & Competitiveness: A Resource and Policy Guide by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills


21st Century Skills

Cultivating 21st century skills is vital to ensuring that all Americans are prepared for success in a global economy that is driven by information, knowledge and innovation. These skills include:
  • Thinking critically and making judgments
  • Solving complex, multidisciplinary, open-ended problems
  • Creativity and entrepreneurial thinking
  • Communicating and collaborating
  • Making innovative use of knowledge, information and opportunities
  • Taking charge of financial, health and civic responsibilities

STEM Education

The number of minority students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and careers has flattened out or even declined in recent years.

Project Summary

STEAM: 21st Century Learning Meets FIRST Robotics is an innovative demonstration of project-based learning led by Cooperative Educational Service Agency #1 (CESA #1). Through the creation of a "classroom without walls," 16 students from five Southeastern Wisconsin school districts collaborated to produce a documentary called Purgolder Robotics: The 2009 Season, which tells the story of FIRST Robotics Competition team #1268 at Washington High School in Milwaukee.  more...