WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 4, 2006 – The North Carolina State Board of Education’s recent decision to formally adopt 21st century learning as the primary strategy for educating its public school students “proves that North Carolina is a national education leader and understands the critical skills today’s students need to succeed in a global economy” said Ken Kay, president of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, the leading national advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education.

“This directional imperative on 21st Century Skills is another important step along the way to implementing a comprehensive statewide strategy in North Carolina,” Kay said. “We applaud the North Carolina State Board of Education for its vision and perseverance."

The board'sworkleading to this decision has been supported by the Center for 21st Century Skills, which was createdby Gov. Mike Easley in 2005 to help N.C. students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for success in the global economy.

North Carolina was the first state in the nation to implement the Partnership’s framework for 21st century education, and the state’s commitment to 21st century learning is a significant outcome of the Partnership’s State Leadership Initiative, a collaborative project designed to help states build an agenda and implementation plan to support the development of a 21st century education environment. The Partnership’s State Leadership Initiative is guided by a core framework for teaching and learning in the 21st century which emphasizes 21st century learning skills such as analytic thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration, as well as critical subject matters such as global awareness, civic engagement and business, financial and economic literacy.

"Governor Easley's leadership and vision to make North Carolina the first partner with P21 show his strong commitment to reform our public schools to meet the growing demands of the global economy," said Tricia Willoughby, director of the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), which is home to the Center for 21st Century Skills. "In a survey earlier this year, our business members identified knowledge, talent and skill as the attributes valued most in potential employees. Our efforts will focus on these traits to prepare all N.C. students to succeed in work and life in this century."

Kay said that the Partnership is working with other key states to create a well-aligned education system where curriculum standards, assessments and classroom practice support the development of 21st century skills.

“It’s critical that American students receive the 21st century knowledge and skills they need to succeed as effective citizens, workers and leaders in the 21st century,” Kay said. “I urge other states to follow North Carolina’s lead by infusing into their education system the 21st century knowledge and skills today’s students need to succeed as effective citizens, workers and leaders in the 21st century.”

About the Partnership for 21st Century Skills

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has emerged as the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education. The organization brings together the business community, education leaders, and policymakers to define a powerful vision for 21st century education to ensure every child’s success as citizens and workers in the 21st century. The Partnership encourages schools, districts and states to advocate for the infusion of 21st century skills into education and provides tools and resources to help facilitate and drive change.

Contact:
Barbara Michelman
202-585-0268
michelman@itstrategies.com