And Away We Go . . . But Where?
All across the country schools are prepared for yet another school year: fresh coats of wax glisten on the floors, stacks of text books line the hallways, and anxious teachers contemplate the most appropriate desk arrangements. Students wander the building lost and disoriented, lacking direction.
This ritual looks much the same as it has in years past – even though we know the world is a much different place than when we entered our classrooms for the first time. So, how do we make sure the direction in which we are steering our students doesn’t become just as routine and predictable? How do we develop in our students the notion that they, too, will have to take the fork in the road if they want to compete in the changing world?
As visionary leaders, we must focus on developing 21st Century Learning Skills (learn more on-line) in order to guide students in the right direction. We must familiarize ourselves with these necessary and pertinent skills so that we can assist students in applying them to their own learning and beyond.
Are we aware of the changes in the world around us? Do we recognize the shift that has occurred in what the work force is expecting from today’s graduates? Are we willing to put aside “the way it’s always been” and develop a new set of processes and expectations for tomorrow’s leaders?
Paul & Becky
