EPP+Overview

A Model for Integrating 21st Century Skills into the English Language Arts Curriculum
//Abstract: The proposed project develops, implements and evaluates a curriculum modification module at Middletown High School. In response to a district initiative to integrate “21st Century skills into appropriate areas of the curriculum,” the English Language Arts Department will pilot a 21st Century skills curriculum modification module at one grade level. The project will compare the curriculum modification implementation against the theoretical model of 21st Century skills integration derived from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The project and subsequent evaluation will center on two primary questions: (1) How is the modified curriculum being implemented and (2) What is the fidelity of the implemented curriculum modification to the theoretical framework derived from the Partnership for 21st Century skills? As a member of the English department, the researcher will utilize a participatory action research design to sample the English department through classroom observations, document review, and interviews. The project and evaluation report will inform the revision of the English Language Arts curriculum document to meet district objectives for 21st Century Skills.


 * Millennials: The generation born roughly between the years 1980-2000.//

Developing technologies and globalization continue to redefine the nature of communication. The American education system continually reevaluates its instructional practice to respond to emerging skills necessary for success in the next century. Current discourse centers on a term “21st Century Skills” that is most commonly operationalized by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2006). In response, many schools are developing strategic plans to address these skills.
 * Introduction**

The Appoquinimink school district has begun Phase One of the district’s multi-year, international education plan. One of the elements of the strategic plan is to revise curriculum policy to include 21st Century skills. A complimentary objective calls for the infusion of 21st Century skills into appropriate areas of the curriculum. The English Language Arts department (ELAD) at Middletown High School (MHS) must respond to this development.

District objectives drive building initiatives. Recently, a disconnect between district objectives and building implementation emerged with the concurrent release of the district strategic plan for 21st Century skills and the rolling out of the new secondary English Language Arts curriculum document. The developing English Language Arts curriculum document does not currently address or incorporate 21st Century skills. The current MHS English Language Arts Curriculum has not yet responded to district objectives for 21st Century skills integration.
 * Problem Statement**

This project will explore ways in which the ELAD at MHS might incorporate 21st Century skills into the secondary English Language Arts curriculum. This EPP will include participatory action research and development, resulting in a curriculum modification proposal for the English Language Arts Department at Middletown High School. The curriculum initiative will address the 21st Century skills objectives set forth by the district strategic plan at the individual building level. This project will pilot components of the curriculum initiative and evaluate the implementation.
 * Purpose of the Project**

The organizational improvement goal is to outline and increase the incorporation of 21st Century skills in the secondary English Language Arts curriculum. By aligning the building implemented curriculum with the district’s strategic plan objectives, this EPP will assist the building in addressing the first goal of the strategic plan to “include exposure to 21st Century skills.” The specific goals of the curriculum project include increasing integration of 21st Century skills into instruction by classroom teachers and improving student achievement.
 * Organizational Improvement Goal**