Students Discovering District's 21st Century Learning Program

Students in Warren Township schools are learning to succeed in the global economy.

The “21st Century Learning” program, which teaches core subject knowledge while advancing skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration, is being implemented in the township’s public schools.

Part of the district's innovative new program is the new pre-engineering program, called Innovation and Design. The pre-engineering classes will promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) lessons using the thinking and commcation skills.

“All third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students will work with the REACH teacher and computer teacher when participating in this program,” William Kimmick, principal of Mount Horeb School, said. “The greatest benefit to students is that educators will examine and discuss practices through the lens of 21st Century Fluencies to determine what is already effective within and determine strategies for improving upon what is already an outstanding overall school experience.”

That means that in today’s learning environment, students must access, organize and share information. The 21st Century Learning program helps creates the framework for the skills students must master to succeed in work and life, blending content knowledge, skills, expertise and literacy.

As the 21st Century Learning program advances for students, additional themes will be woven into core subjects, so students' lessons will include such special topics as Global Awareness, Civic Literacy, Health Literacy and Environmental Literacy.

Editor's note: This is the first in a planned series of articles detailing the new programs in Warren schools.