My wonderful, caring first grade teacher, Miss Iva Forgie, used
a blackboard, big chalk, and Dick and Jane books to teach us
reading, writing, and arithmetic. That was the 20th century.
Students in the 21st century need caring, competent teachers,
but they also need the benefit of new methods, innovative
technologies, and a renewed vision of public schools. They need
a 21st century education in terms of tools and approach.
Daydream for a moment and picture yourself in a public school
classroom in the 21st century. The public schools of the 21st
century look different. Students and teachers use technology -
computers, MP3 players, interactive white boards, and other
tools - as a routine way of learning. Today's teachers coach
student learning and work that is authentic and relevant to the
world today. Students thoroughly learn essential facts and
skills - and they apply them in meaningful ways. The workplace
and global economy have changed dramatically. Competition and
work are global for every type of product