Critical thinking. Communication. Collaboration. Creativity. These are the terms that in the education world have come to be known as the 4Cs of 21st century learning and innovation skills. They are critical components of a framework for 21st century learning.
From the Partnership for 21st Century Skills
As educators, we are working hard to embed opportunities for our students to develop these skills to prepare them to become productive adults in a rapidly changing world. Now, more than ever, these skills are required for many occupations and proficiency in these skills will likely lead to successful careers for our students. At Granby, the Gator staff models these skills daily as they work together in teams and pursue creative solutions to challenges. Wellness Man videos (a blog for a later date) are a perfect example of putting these 21st century skills in action and creating a product. For a poster about the 4Cs, click here.
Slate Hill & Granby Collaboration
Recently, I had the opportunity to develop these same skills as I collaborated with several groups of folks. Granby’s RTI Team (Response to Intervention Team that supports teachers in providing intervention for students who need additional support) met to discuss the RTI process and revise some procedures and documents that will assist in making the process more efficient and helpful to teachers. Our building’s new school psychologist, Molly Yeager, brings wonderful knowledge and experience to the job and, along with the rest of the team, revised a document that is sure to be quite helpful as we move forward. Molly is also the school psychologist for Slate Hill Elementary and when she shared with principal, Ken Pease, that we were going to meet to finalize the document and discuss the procedural changes, he gave me a call and asked if he could join us. Absolutely! Our meeting was wonderfully productive as we discussed, shared, problem-solved, and collaborated on a document that could be customized for our individual schools and would also provide Molly with some continuity in the two buildings she serves. This seemingly small thing will help both of our school’s teams be more efficient and provide our teachers with a document that will help guide the process and, more importantly, help students grow.
As we continue to re-evaluate and reflect on the instruction that we provide our young Gators, we maintain a focus on embedding a balance of skills that will serve our students well into the future. Among these are the 4Cs. 21st Century Learning… a fine, fine opportunity in A Fine, Fine School!
Just for fun!
P.S. Thank you, Ken, for challenging my thinking. I appreciate the collaborative dialog we have and your willingness to respectfully disagree at times. It helps me to learn and grow!! (And no, we did not position you under the canister light on purpose to make your head shine.) 🙂
A Fine, Fine School! 