There are prevailing paradoxes which must be resolved if we are to advance an educational system worthy of 21st century citizens. A paradox is an apparently contradictory statement which may be true however great the contradiction. Somehow, we have to resolve these contradictions if we are to move forward. “We assume that all can learn, but all do not learn at the same pace and in the same way. Yet, we want everyone to complete schooling at the same time or be judged a failure” (Indiana University Dean of Education, Howard Mehlinger, Retired). During the advent years of the July 4th 2026 Birthday Celebration of The Declaration of Independence, the paradoxes blocking our democratic institutions of learning have not been resolved. The Institute for 21st Century Learning has used in the preparation of LEARN OR DIE a community of national scholars, each having their own insights, yet the knowledge and skill attributes necessary for addressing today’s paradox barriers: Qualitative Action Research; The New Global Economy; The New Urbanism; The New University; Complex Systems Evaluation; 21st Century Leadership; Vision-Based Community Development; and Citizens’ Community Connections and the Transformation of Community Schools. Is the American Revolution still alive?

This important resource introduces a framework for 21st Century learning that maps out the skills needed to survive and thrive in a complex and connected world. 21st Century content includes the basic core subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic-but also emphasizes global awareness, financial/economic literacy, and health issues. The skills fall into three categories: learning and innovations skills; digital literacy skills; and life and career skills. This book is filled with vignettes, international examples, and classroom samples that help illustrate the framework and provide an exciting view of twenty-first century teaching and learning. Explores the three main categories of 21st Century Skills: learning and innovations skills; digital literacy skills; and life and career skills Addresses timely issues such as the rapid advance of technology and increased economic competition Based on a framework developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) The book contains a video with clips of classroom teaching. For more information on the book visit www.21stcenturyskillsbook.com.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program is a federal program that awards grants to rural and inner-city public schools, or consortia of such schools, to enable them to plan, implement, or expand projects that benefit the educational, health, social services, cultural and recreational needs of the community. Grants awarded under this program may be used to plan, implement, or expand community learning centers. Contents: program information; program eligibility checklist; selection criteria; instructions and forms for preparing the application; how to submit an application; supplementary information; and application checklist.

This anthology introduces the Framework for 21st Century Learning from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills as a way to re-envision learning and prepare students for a rapidly evolving global and technological world. Highly respected education leaders and innovators focus on why these skills are necessary, which are most important, and how to best help schools include them in curriculum and instruction.

"Educational leaders are empowered by a 7-steps framework to move their schools and districts forward in a quest to create community consensus and build the professional capacity for preparing students for 21st century learning."--Book cover.