[Source: Sherry Anne Rubiano, Arizona Republic] — The 21st-century student will face challenges and opportunities different from those met by previous generations. Students will compete with those from other countries for jobs. They will use technology and solve problems that don’t yet exist. National, state and local education leaders discussed this look into the future and reviewed information Wednesday during the first meeting of Dysart Unified School District’s New Century Learner Advisory Committee. The goal for the New Century Learner initiative is to identify skills Dysart graduates will need for success in the “real world.”
“What will prepare students to go into that business world, go into that community and make it better, go into that global economy and compete?” asked district Superintendent Gail Pletnick. The committee is made up of business, government and education leaders, parents, teachers, students and staff. They will have the responsibility of funneling research and information to help develop a framework of skills. The committee will meet three more times over the next three months. The district will use the committee’s findings in its strategic plan. This could result in changes in curriculum or teaching practices. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]