Improving high schools requires the nation to redefine “rigor” to

encompass not just mastery of core academic subjects, but also mastery of

21st century skills and content. Rigor must reflect all the results that matter for

all high school graduates today. Today’s graduates need to be critical thinkers, problem

solvers and effective communicators who are proficient in both core subjects and new,

21st century content and skills. These 21st century skills, which are detailed beginning

on page 10, include learning and thinking skills, information and communications

technology (ICt) literacy skills, and life skills. Twenty-first century skills are in demand

for all students, no matter what their future plans — and they will have an enormous

impact on students’ prospects.