Reframing 21st-Century Education

During Back-to-School Night, I presented the framework for 21st-century whole child education that EBI will use to frame and guide our academic programming going forward.
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We live in a fast-changing world and are facing unprecedented challenges—social, economic, and environmental—driven by accelerating globalization and increased rate of technological developments. The future is uncertain, and we have the duty to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.​

What do students need to learn for the 21st century? 
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Figure 1. Framework for 21st Century Education (adapted from Fadel, Bialik & Trilling (2015), P21 (2007), & OECD (2017)).

We define four interconnected dimensions or spaces of education (Figure 1). The competencies needed include more than just the acquisition of knowledge and skills; they also involve the mobilization of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to meet complex demands. 

• Knowledge: having deep knowledge is more important than ever. There is a focus on interdisciplinarity and traditional knowledge (math, language arts, history) is augmented by modern disciplines (STEAM, robotics, wellness).
• Skills: how we use what we know (critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and cultural competency).

Future-ready students have both broad and specialized knowledge and skills and are versatile.

• Well-being/Character and SEL Programming: how we engage the world. This dimension encompasses all of the terms: agency, attitudes, behaviors, dispositions, mindsets, personality, temperament, values, beliefs, social and emotional skills, non-cognitive skills, and soft skills.Guided by our mission and core values we seek to build communities of belonging and caring. 
• Meta-Learning: Awareness of how we learn through reflection and a growth mindset. Teaching with knowledge of brain-based learning.

The model provides a clear and actionable framework of competencies needed for this century.  The framework is a meta-synthesis of over 30 research-based frameworks that defines four dimensions or spaces in which to establish what should be learned, in their context and for their future.  
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This is exactly what is at the core of our mission and values, and what the EBI Difference is. As the world becomes smaller due to globalization, EBI becomes bigger, stronger, and more relevant because of its mission and core values.

We are developing a vision using this framework to ensure we are providing the best possible education. I have chosen to affectionately name the vision “Our Journey to 21st Century Teaching and Learning”.  The word “journey” represents our lifelong commitment to continuous improvement over time. We are committed to delivering educational excellence and recognize that the continuous redesign and update of our programming is key to fulfilling our mission and provide the best possible educational experience to our students.

Teaching and learning at EBI is distinctively engaging, global, and inspiring. This is possible thanks to our
talented faculty and staff, who have an unwavering commitment and dedication to their students. Wholehearted thanks to our teachers for the inspiring work they do every day. 

References
​Fadel, C. , Bialik, M., & Trilling, B. (2015). Four-Dimensional education: The competencies learners need to succeed. Boston: MA, The Center for Curriculum Redesign.
P21 Partnership for 21st Century Learning. (2007). Framework for 21st century learning. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/about-us/p21-framework
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2017). OECD Work on education and skills. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/edu/Directorate-for-education-and-skills-brochure.pdf