P12 and 21st Century Skills

After viewing P12's website, I was excited about the information that was provided about transforming our students into 21st century learners based on the skills that each child needs to be successful. This website dissect all the important facets of the tools that are being asked of this competitive economy. Our students are already behind students in other nations. I think it is valuable for an organization like P12 to create a mission, objective, goals, and to assist the American Education system to help bridge this gap.

The information on this website that helped me develop a great new found understanding on the issues surrounding 21st century skills was the Framework Component. Basically this component breaks down the education system after the passing of NCLB in 2001 and gear these academic components towards higher order thinking skills as well as innovative skills. Creating standardized tests that avoids the paper and pencil will allow students to be free and express their knowledge in a creatively. In a nut shell, P12 knows that everyone may not master a standardized test but that does not mean that they did not master the skill or concept.

Test Drive

Testing my blog because I am having problems commenting to post with my google account. I will be posting to my classmates with my livejournal account (http://nikishagreer.livejournal.com) which will display nikishagreer.

Please excuse me why I try to figure out this problem. If you have any comments to assist, please feel free to leave one.

Thanks,

Nikisha

Purpose for Blogs in the Classroom

I am currently a 6th and 7th grade Instructional Resource teacher who provides special education services in an inclusion setting (Language Arts and Math). I would incorporate a blog in my class as an electronic journal to determine the students' confidence in understanding the particular concept or skill that was taught for the day. Allowing students to use the blog as an assignment site or to retrieve information placed by the teacher would place students at an disadvantage due to not all students having a computer at their home (My school is 99.9% Title I school). The blog will enhance the lesson by allowing the students to express how they feel (nonverbal/noninteractive students) and be a part of the learning process. I will use their feedback to determine the presentation of skills and concepts to ensure that multiple teaching strategies are used to meet their needs. Lastly, showcasing of work would depend on that particular assignment (book report, art project, awards, etc.) and on approval from the student.

Introduction

I want to welcome everyone to my blog. Feel free to comment on any topic that is posted. Your advice and opinions will be useful in helping me look at situations from an open umbrella.

Thank you,

Nikisha