Since 2002, P21 has been working with states and communities to
reinvigorate learning to ensure 21st century readiness for every student. Based
on this work, P21 believes there are seven strategies for a successful
statewide initiative:
High-profile leadership: State leaders at the highest level, including the governor, chief state
school officer, legislators, educators, business leaders and influential
citizens, must make the case for 21st century readiness.
Broad consensus and a shared vision: States should create an active coalition of business, education, non-profit
and community organizations, and parents to develop broad consensus and a
shared vision on how to fuse the three Rs and four Cs.
Ongoing professional development: States should support administrators and teachers with ongoing professional
development.
Fuse the three Rs and four Cs: As the United States
continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, our education
system must keep up. Many states allow students to earn a high school diploma
with eighth or tenth grade knowledge and skills (or less). Higher standards are
essential.
21st century assessments: There is a growing, worldwide interest in creating modern assessments. In
2005, P21 released Assessment
of 21st Century Skills: A Landscape, a thorough survey of
international efforts to modernize assessments.
An effective communications strategy: Planning and implementing a successful statewide initiative
requires a multi-faceted effort and collaboration among many constituencies.
An aggressive implementation strategy: In every state, some schools and educators are prioritizing 21st century
readiness for every student. States should showcase existing models of success
for others to learn from and build on; they should also reach out to potential
partners.
State Initiatives 