Partnership for 21st Century Skills

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) website, http://www.p21.org/index.php, has a lot of information that can be used in the classroom. It stresses all the skills that students need in the future, and discusses how to implement them in the classroom. However, I found the site to be confusing to navigate. I did find some wonderful resources and lesson ideas, but it was difficult to find them. In order to find the lesson ideas you had to read through tons of information on the P21 maps and Common Core kit. Yes, the information was useful and interesting but an area that has just lesson ideas is needed. Innovative lessons, resources, and ideas that are easily accessible would be very useful. Different ways to teach students 21st century skills is welcomed by most teachers. I realize that the purpose of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is to create awareness, and to advocate for the skills that students will need in the future. But why does everything on their website start at 4th grade? I understand that somewhere between 4th and 12th grade U.S. students go from the top internationally to the bottom, but they should advocate for those skills to be taught to younger students as well. Starting at a younger age can only better prepare students for the future. It would seem that I am not a fan of what the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is doing. That is not true; I am thrilled that they are working to get states teaching students the skills they will need. My state, WV, was one of the first states to join the initiative in 2005. My state pushes 21st century skills, and has created areas on our state department website for teachers giving us tools to help teach these skills. My state has come a long way with the help of P21. As a teacher, and especially as a mother, I am grateful. P21. (2013). The Partnership for 21st Century Skills . Retrieved from The Partnership for 21st Century Skills : http://www.p21.org/index.php