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.