PREPARING OUR YOUTH FOR CAREERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY The classroom environment has changed drastically over the past 20 years. When you walk into your child’s classroom things may look very different from when you were in school. Chalk boards have been replaced with smart boards. Many elementary children have access to IPads and Chromebooks in the classroom. Even some textbooks are solely in digital format. These technological advancements in school represent just a mere tip in the bucket of what is required of children to be successful productive citizens in our constantly evolving society. The United States response to these needs has come a long way from the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 to the current Common Core initiatives. The skills that our children need to be successful in today’s world go far beyond mere literacy and the three R’s (reading, writing, and arithmetic). Our youth need to be equipped with the skills necessary to create, analyze, think, and produce as part of the 21st century working world. So what should/can parents do to prepare their children for the workforce. Let us first look at what are the 21st century skills? What are the 21st Century Skills? According to the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, in order for students to be prepared for college and career in our advanced society students need to be equipped with the following skills: creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and collaboration information” skills. These attributes are collectively called the 4 C’s. These skills are not to replace the core subjects typically taught in classrooms such as science, history, mathematics etc. These attributes should be taken in conjunction with the 3 R’s to provide a complete education for any child. A child’s ability to utilize the 4 C’s will set them apart from their peers who have not mastered them. Need more proof, just think about any infant you come in contact with today. These infants can operate any cellphone, iPad, or other digital media before they can spell and communicate fully with words. A child who not only can use these instruments but create, manipulate, and communicate with them will be an asset in the workforce whether they choose to create their own destiny or
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work for a company. So what can a parent do to support their child in the workforce. How do parents make sure their children are prepared to meet the 21st century goals? To put it simply parents need to be more involved in their child’s education not just inside the classroom but also outside of the classroom. The following are suggestions of how to accomplish this: 1) Be an active parent- it is important that you know what is going on in your child’s education. Today, many schools have digital grade books, parent portals and or access to your child’s grades right at your fingertips. If this is available to you make sure you download the app or login regularly. This allows you to review grades and assignments more quickly than just waiting for a parent teacher conference. With more information you will be more involved in your child’s education and be able to make better decisions concerning your child. Make this a priority to check in on your child’s work. If this service is not available to you. Write a teacher a note, make a phone call, or send an email to your child’s teacher(s) so that you can be more informed. Do not wait to react to any situations that may arise. Take the initiative to do something first. 2) Parents are teachers too. Although your child spends a majority of their awake hours at school for 10 months you are your child’s first teacher. As parents you have or can have the greatest influence in your child’s behavior and actions. Take the time to create an environment where learning and communication are encouraged in your home. It can start as easily as discussing current events on the news or radio. Create healthy discussions where the child can and is expected to express their opinion. As the parent, question their reasoning in a way that promotes societal and emotional consciousness. By doing this you are developing the critical thinking skills that are necessary to be successful in our society. This step does require work on your part. You need to educate yourself on these things as well so that you can communicate with your children in a productive manner. So the parent becomes a student as well. We all have to work but if you can catch a parent workshop it may give you some helpful hints. 3) Create opportunities for learning at home. Start by creating a space for your child to complete their school work. It can be a place at the kitchen table or desk in a corner or even just their bed. Let them know that learning is important and support a quiet place for your child to work. It is important that your child has a designated area to work and create. Encourage your child to be active in the home. Maybe creating a menu for dinner, writing a book or reviewing a book they read and cre-
ating a video report. Learning outside of the classroom should be encouraged. Instead of always watching TV and playing video games for several hours. Encourage these alternative activities. Whatever you decide will benefit your family. 4) Find opportunities for new experiences in the summer. Many communities nationwide have free summer programs that students can participate in. Do some research in your home to find out when and where they will be taking place. To begin your search start with your local school. The guidance counselors and some teachers will know of some summer programs. Look for activities that are free on weekends that you can participate in with your child at local museums and parks. Many universities have paid and sometimes programs for small fees based on family income. Take a look into those programs as well. Start your search now for summer 2017. Look for programs in science, the arts, technology/coding. These are all worthwhile pursuits. The bottom line is this; take an active role in your child’s education. Today we are not creating adults who are only required to work on a farm. The rate of new developments in technology, engineering, and other industries have created a need for specifically skilled labors who are equipped to create, maintain, and repair our modern miracles. Today the jobs that are required for the future require that worker is a fast thinker and is globally aware. It is true that the skillsets that children come into the classroom with are more sophisticated than what educators have seen in past generations. However, with that knowledge it is important for parents to take a more active role in the education of the children.
JD Tyson Educator
