The advancement of technology, the globalization of the world’s economy, and a renewed centralized focus on college and career preparation have positioned 21stcentury readiness at the center of the Philippines discourse on K-12 education.The more K–12 teachers use technology, the more they recognize and value its strong positive effects on student learning and engagement and its connection to 21st century skills.
K to 12 implementation really contributed a greater impact to the teachers and administrators to implement a personalized approach to college and career readiness for the 21st generation students.
The partnership for 21st century skills and K to 12 implementation identified, “learning and innovation” in which, students would need to develop in order to best learn and then apply those learning in school, work, and life.
Co-founded in 2002 byKen Kaywith support from heavyweights like AOL, Cisco, Microsoft, and the U.S. Department of Education, ThePartnership for 21st Century Skills(P21) was one of the first groups out of the gate to call for this paradigm shift in K-12 schools, sparked a national conversation as it proposed a set of 21st century student competencies that evolved into a multifaceted framework having such literacies.
These literacies are configured around three themes, namely: (1) information, media, and technology skills, (2) learning and innovation skills, and (3) life and career skills. These learning skills can help students foster future- forward outcome. Moreover, it can help them develop the critical skills necessary for success in an ever -complex economy.
Subsequently, as 21st century students were affected by the shift of education, K to 12 became an advantage for them to be innovative in the ways that they construct their learning for career experiences. Teachers who create students’ opportunities inside and outside the school provide avenues for the students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive personally and professionally.
As K to 12 will teach them, first, Information, media and technology skills will surely expand course offerings, experiences, and learning materials.
Second, learning and innovation skills recognize students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century. This helps them think creatively, work creatively with others and implement innovations. As they create new and worthwhile ideas, they must also be open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives and incorporate group input and feedback into the work. Therefore, they can act on creative ideas to make a tangible and useful contribution to the field in which the innovation will occur.
Lastly, life and career skills, makes them mentally equipped with whatever profession they choose. Thus, as 21st century learners became more prepared for their career, it can help them find job easier and look for better work.
Hence, given that 21st century learners will acquire those skills, it will showcase the prominence of K to12 integration in accordance to diverse innovation of skills well-matched for the learners.
By: HAZEL KIM C. MAÑALAC | Academy of Queen Mary School Inc.
