Navigator Conference in a Nutshell

(What happened there anyway?)

1. A Powerful Group Assembled to develop a vision for 21st century learning for Colorado. It took place in Colorado Springs, June 2007. The broad participation — from all corners of the state, from policymakers to students, superintendents to classroom teachers — underscores the importance of this work.

2. Participants Reached Broad Consensus on the need for significant change as well as the key elements of a vision for 21st century learning. These include ensuring that students possess: the ability to self-direct learning, critical thinking and learning skills, information management skills, collaboration and life skills, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing global context.

3. What Is Core Content? These vision elements are noteworthy in that most are not included in the core curriculum or Colorado Model Content Standards. Most participants support rigor in traditional core subjects, while recognizing the importance of the emerging essential skills. Therefore, we need to re-examine and re-define core content.

4. Corollary Changes Are Needed in Assessment and Learning Structures. Participants agree that powerful learning builds on meaningful work and often involves an emotional connection. Critical elements of assessment needed for 21st century learning include alignment with essential learning and assessments that are authentic and performance-based. Finally, powerful learning happens when instruction models the learning, and when education is organized in a learning organization.

5. Change Support is Necessary. When asked about the barriers to implementing this vision for 21st century learning, resistance to change and institutional inertia are frequently cited. Educators want leadership, guidance, technical assistance and resources for implementing the called for changes in curriculum, instruction and assessment in the Vision.