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. This dynamic new framework promotes innovation through critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and technology integration, while building on mastery of core content and background knowledge. Highly respected education leaders and innovators address critical concepts supporting the Framework for 21st Century Learning and explore these three overarching questions: Why are the skills listed in the Framework for 21st Century Learning necessary? Which skills are most important? What can be done to help schools include these skills in their curriculum and instruction?

Foreword: 21st century skills: why they matter, what they are, and how we get there -- Five minds for the future -- New policies for 21st century demands: Linda Darling-Hammond, interviewed -- Comparing frameworks for 21st century skills -- The role of professional learning communities in advancing 21st century skills -- The Singapore vision: teach less, learn more -- Designing new learning environments to support 21st century skills -- An implementation framework to support 21st century skills -- Problem-based learning: the foundation for 21st century skills -- Cooperative learning and conflict resolution: essential 21st century skills -- Preparing students for mastery of 21st century skills -- Innovation through technology -- Technology rich, information poor -- Navigating social networks as learning tools -- A framework for assessing 21st century skills -- Afterword: leadership, change, and beyond the 21st century skills agenda.