21st Century Skills in South Dakota

A world class education and a strong workforce prepared for the jobs of tomorrow are South Dakota’s vision for its future.  We believe a well educated workforce that can be competitive in our complex global economy.  To meet that vision, Governor Mike Rounds launched the 2010 Education Initiative (2010E).  It outlines a plan with new, innovative ideas that offer South Dakota’s young people the best education to prepare them for post-secondary education, the workforce and life.  Combining the efforts of 2010E and The Partnership for 21st Century Skills initiative create a powerful movement to meet the needs of business, education, and a better way of life for South Dakotans. Governor Rounds made the announcement to join the Partnership for 21 Century Skills prior to the first meeting of South Dakota's new P21 Advisory Council in June, 2007. The 20-member council consists of business leaders, lawmakers and representatives from K-12 and higher education. The group will serve an advisory role as South Dakota seeks to ensure that its students are prepared for life in the 21st century. 

In addition to the P21 Council, South Dakota’s 21st Century Skills plan includes a framework that expands on the 2010 Education Initiative.  It includes several action items such as:

1. Hold focus meetings around the state talking to teachers and administrators about the need for 21st Century skill development.
2. Analyze the 2010E Initiatives to determine the extent to which they promote 21st Century skills.
3. Review content standards in core subject areas and determine to what extent they meet 21st Century standards.
4. Develop a plan for professional development of 21st Century skills for teachers.
5. Involve Education Service Agencies in delivery of 21st Century skills to the classroom.
6. Develop resources for teachers to access lesson plans as models to teach 21st Century skills.
7. Train teachers in the use of laptops computers using 21st Century skills.
8. Continue to implement Senior Projects, Youth Internships, and Personal Learning Plans with an emphasis around 21st Century skills.
9. Develop a criteria for recognizing 21st Century model schools.
10. Continue to expand SD Counts, an inquiry based math program.
11. Redesign assessments around 21st Century skills.

"As part of the 2010 Education Initiative, South Dakota is committed to making sure that students leave our schools with the skills they need to be effective citizens, workers and leaders in today's global economy. Schools across South Dakota have already begun to implement strategies that address these skills, and participation in this national initiative will only make these efforts stronger," said South Dakota's Education Secretary Rick Melmer.  

Accelerating technological change, rapidly accumulating knowledge, increasing global competition and rising workforce requirements make 21st century skills essential for every student’s success.  The Partnership’s State Leadership Initiative is guided by its Framework for 21st Century Learning, which builds upon core subject expertise and emphasizes new 21st century competencies such as information, media and technology skills, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, global awareness, and business, economic and civic literacy. South Dakota joins a growing network of states pledged to developing a framework for 21st century learning outcomes.

Learn more at South Dakota's Department of Education website