21st Century Skills

Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:

• identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation

• plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project

• collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions

• use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solution

Communication and Collaboration

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:

• interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
• communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and format 
• develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
• contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

Technology Operations and Concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

• understand and use technology systems
• select and use applications effectively and productively
• troubleshoot systems and applications
• transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

Research and Information Fluency

Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students: 

• plan strategies to guide inquiry

• locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media

• evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks

• process data and report results

   

Initiative & Self-Direction

Students demonstrate an ability to be responsible for their own learning and behavior. Students:

• monitor one’s own understanding and learning needs

• go beyond basic mastery of skills and/or curriculum to explore and expand one’s own learning and opportunities to gain expertise

• demonstrate initiative to advance skill levels towards a professional level

• define, prioritize and complete tasks without direct oversightutilize time efficiently and managing workload

• demonstrate commitment to learning as a lifelong process