21st Century Skills: Why They Matter, What They Are, and How We Get There

    The author of this book starts out by stating that students now need to know how to use what he calls 21st century skills. He says that students will need these skills to be able to succeed in higher education and in their careers. The author says that we need to get away from drilling so much of the old stuff and welcome in creativity, problem solving and critical thinking to be able to advance in the new America. Fourteen states have already agreed to implementing these practices in their classrooms.
    I agree and disagree with this author. I agree in the fact that students do need to have creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking skills to succeed in the new America, higher education, and their careers. I disagree with this author in the fact that he thinks we should stop drilling the older concepts. I think that in America, yes everyone loves the idea of getting a well paying job and career and going to college, but I don't think that it is for everyone. Our country would not run without lower level industry jobs. I think that the new skills that he talks about are great and wonderful, but do not think we should stop drilling the other concepts with it.