21st Century learning

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent

Monday, May 7, 2012

21st Century learning is an important gateway of preparedness for our K-12 students to succeed in today’s work place. How will our students fare in the global market place? This is a tough question and yet our educational system led by a great group of educators has chosen a proactive approach to this question.

I had the privilege of attending the E Squared Semi Final competition on April 19th. The students were exceptional. The teams showed impressive mastery of the 21st century learning skills that will set them apart in the competitive market place. The level of preparation in developing their business plans demonstrated that they are able to grasp the business principles that enable wealth creation as entrepreneurs.

The website P21.org describes 21st Century learning skills as four basic C’s of skill sets. They include critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication skills, creativity and innovation skills, and collaboration skills. As the educators approach each season of E Squared competition they are very aware of the exponential benefits that the four C’s will bring to the students. Our school system is leading the way in 21st century education through the continual improvement process of enhancing the E Squared Program.

It is natural for the educators to collaborate for the best interest of the students. This is certainly true in the Culpeper County School System led by Dr. Johnson. However, It is exceptional for the educators to team with local business to support educational passion. E Squared has awakened a unique community spirit in education. There is a real desire to collaborate as educators, business, and government to create the best learning opportunities for our students.

Another aspect of exceptional learning is “Project Based Education.” E Squared has enabled such learning as a part of the course curriculum for the E Squared students. Students are given the opportunity to develop a business to be pitched to a “Faux VC Board” of local business leaders. The project involves over 60  professionals from the business community including approximately 15 who work  directly with the students and educators to develop viable businesses conceived and built by student teams. I would characterize the program “Prism Learning.” The students are encouraged to look at the project from many angles, looking for the best solutions. The prism of endless options tempered with the reality of fiscal profitability makes the program a true 21st Century educational experience.

The program development has been led by a dream team of Chuck Gyory, Mike Dale, and Randi Richards-Lutz. The three are a braided chord of strength at the center of the Career Partners, Inc. Board of Trustees support for the program. They have enlisted the talent and support of educators and the largest corps of business support so far for the 2012 competition.

Join us on May 10th from 8 AM – 1 PM at the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Room to watch six teams compete for the $5,000 per student scholarship fund in the Final 2012 Competition. Or, tune into the live stream broadcast from Culpeper Media Networks Comcast Channel 10.

Jim Charapich, President/CEO
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce