As the world continues to shift from an industrial economy to a service economy
driven by information, knowledge, and innovation, cultivating 21st-century
skills is vital to economic success
While the global economy has been changing, the United States has focused
primarily on closing domestic achievement gaps and largely has ignored the
growing necessity of graduating students capable of filling emerging job sectors
this goal has skirted the competitive demand for advanced skills
businesses now require workers who can handle more responsibility and contribute
more to productivity and innovation
"It has become apparent that there isn't a lack of employees who are technically
proficient, but a lack of employees who can adequately communicate and
collaborate, innovate, and think critically," said Ken Kay, P21 president.
"21st
Century Skills, Education, and Competitiveness"