‘Softer’ skills and hands-on learning needed in
education reform [USA]
"Straight academic content is no longer
enough" to ensure student success in further education and the
workplace, according to a new report commissioned by the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In
School Reform in the New Millennium the state’s Task Force
on 21st Century skills make several recommendations for
overhauling the K-12 education system to accommodate teaching of
softer and practical skills, including revisions to teacher
training, lengthening the school day by up to 25%, and implementing
“multiple measures for student assessment. The authors also call
for placing 1,000 artists, scientists and engineers in classrooms
around the state to boost creativity and technological skills.
Read more
School Reform
in the New Millennium Report