The act, which was also cosponsored by Senator John Kerry (D-MA), aims to provide matching federal funds to states that pair strong core courses with 21st century skills such as creativity, innovation, critical thinking and financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy.

In addition, the act was developed using ideas generated from educators in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin and West Virginia. This demonstrates the broad consensus across the country that combining rigorous math, science, reading, and other core courses with 21st century skills will increase positive learning outcomes.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is pleased to have such strong leadership from Senators Rockefeller, Snowe and Kerry on an issue vital to our nation’s democracy and economy. There is no doubt that successful states have an informed, innovative and civically engaged citizenry. In fact, to sustain a viable economy in today’s world requires workers with 21st century skills, as almost all emerging industries are built upon knowledge, creativity, communication and problem solving.

Still, the teaching of 21st century skills is meant in no way to detract from creating a rigorous core curriculum. As Senator Rockefeller said, “West Virginia students need to master the 3 R’s – reading, writing, and arithmetic – but they must do more if they want to be ready to compete in the global economy.”

Adequately addressing this challenge requires forceful and forward-thinking leadership from federal, state and local policymakers and educators. That is why it is so heartening to see all levels of government working on this important endeavor. Dr. Steven Paine, West Virginia's state superintendent of schools, said, "we have worked with the senator's office on this bill. It is very encouraging that we can create a partnership between the federal government, states and private businesses."

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills looks forward to continuing our work with local, state and federal leaders to help make this vision a reality.

About the Partnership for 21st Century Skills: The Partnership or 21st Century Skills is 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.

21st Century Skills Leadership States include: Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Member organizations include: Adobe Systems, Inc., American Association of School Librarians, Apple, ASCD, Atomic Learning, Blackboard, Inc., Cable in the Classroom, Cisco Systems, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Davis Publications, Dell, Inc., Education Networks of America, Educational Testing Service, EF Education, Ford Motor Company Fund, Gale, Cengage Learning, Hewlett Packard, Intel Corporation, JA Worldwide®, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, K12, Learning.com, Learning Point Associates, LEGO Group, Lenovo, Measured Progress, McGraw-Hill, Microsoft Corporation, National Education Association, Oracle Education Foundation, Pearson, PolyVision, Quarasan, Scholastic Education, Sesame Workshop, THINKronize, Verizon, and Wireless Generation. Organizations interested in joining the Partnership may contact info@21stcenturyskills.org.

Contact: Albert Lang (202) 585-0243 (w); (202) 207-8510 (c); or alang@eluminategroup.com