Bipartisan measure would give states matching funds to develop curricula
 
States offering students curriculum options that integrate key 21st-century skills would receive matching federal funds through an incentive bill introduced in the U.S. Senate May 13 by West Virginia Democrat John D. Rockefeller IV.

The legislation was developed using ideas generated from West Virginia educators and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, which researched and surveyed the skills students need in the classroom to remain competitive for the future, according to a press release from Rockefeller's office.

“The purpose of the 21st Skills Incentive Funds Act is to offer competitive grants from the Department of Education for states willing to invest in education reform. … Although the economic downturn has current challenges for new investment in education, waiting for a better time to engage in reform would be unwise," Rockefeller said.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and John Kerry, D-Mass., suggests several areas where states could expand their curricula to encompass 21st-century skills, such as global awareness; financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; and health and wellness awareness.

If passed, the bill would appropriate $100 million a year for the U.S. Department of Education to pass on to states that have developed a comprehensive plan for implementing a statewide 21st-century skills initiative and are able to supply matching funds for their initiative.

Links:
Senate Bill 1029
Partnership for 21st Century Skills

Source:  eSchool News, 5.29.09