Historical Development

BH-BL’s 21st Century Framework:

Skills, Themes & Guiding Questions

The use of technology in our district fits as part of the larger commitment that the district has made to educating our students

in an ever-changing 21st century environment. What does it mean

to provide 21st century education?

In September 2009, a Strategic Framework Committee made up of 10 members began meeting to answer the question: What do our students need to know and be able to do in order to be successful in the 21st Century?

Committee members were chosen to represent a cross-section of the local and educational community, and input was solicited from hundreds of interested individuals. In an effort to gain extensive information from varying perspectives, several tools were used to collect and synthesize data simultaneously. A survey was designed and posted on the BH-BL district website to collect input from residents, staff and students at large. The survey was advertised aggressively and resulted in much interest. A total of 699 people completed the survey.

While survey input was being collected, members of the committee read and analyzed educational research related to 21^st-century skills, and collected additional input from constituent groups outside of the target survey audience. Committee members made a preliminary report of their findings to the Board of Education in December 2009. Structured input sessions were held with teachers, administrators, and support staff, soliciting input on 21^st-century skills, themes, and guiding questions. Questions and suggestions from these meetings were used to prepare the final report, entitled Preparing Students for the 21^st Century. The report refers to a list of Themes and Skills that are critical to education in the 21^stcentury. The report also identifies six Guiding Questions the district uses to model the development of curriculum and instruction.