Some of Washington’s largest employers—Microsoft, Boeing, and Battelle—create jobs that require their employees to innovate, think critically, problem solve and collaborate. In order for students to have abundant career opportunities and compete in a global economy, it’s essential they learn these 21st century skills. Washington is not alone regarding the push to implement these important skills into the classroom. Massachusetts, a state known for its education reform efforts, is equally committed to the same results: success for all students. 

From the Boston Globe:

“Our role now as policy makers, educators, business leaders, and parents is to provide students with the best of both worlds: a strong and challenging academic curriculum, and a full infusion of the 21st-century skills students will need to succeed outside of high school. Denying students the right to learn what we recognize is required by today's employers goes against our goal of providing all students with all the tools they will need to succeed after high school, regardless of race, ethnicity or ZIP code…”

–Maureen Banta, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and eastern regional manager for corporate affairs for the IBM Corporation.

But it’s not just Mass. that also understands the importance of implementing these skills into their classrooms. Many other states are moving in this direction as well, and now is not the time to back down. Yes, some Wash. districts, such as the Mercer Island School District—whose vision is to successfully prepare students for the cognitive, global and digital world—have taken action and implemented 21st century teaching into their classrooms. However, we want to see ALL students learning the skills that will help them succeed in college and work.