Information on Literacy Standards for the 21st Century

The National Council of Teachers of English recognizes in its framework for 21st century curriculum and assessment that standards of literacy and the ways to teach literacy need to be reformed in order to improve learning outcomes and keep pace with rapid technological changes. Thus, many of the recent changes in teaching methodologies and educational philosophy revolve around a discussion of 21st century literacy.

Definitions

Traditionally, society has defined literacy as the ability to read and write. However, according to the National Council of Teachers of English, "The 21st century demands that a literate person possess a wide range of abilities and competencies, many literacies. These literacies---from reading on-line newspapers to participating in virtual classrooms---are multiple, dynamic, and malleable."

Types

Many educators see multiple literacies as being the hallmark of the 21st century education. While there is some disagreement as to the exact nature of these literacies, among them are: language literacy, spatial literacy, visual literacy, information literacy, cultural literacy, mathematical literacy and scientific literacy.

Features

Literacy in the 21st century realizes that process is as important as product. The literate person will need to be able to collect, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information. Additionally they will need to reflect on and communicate the results of this process. A familiarity with technological tools as well as evidence of collaborative skills will be at a premium.

Evaluation

The evaluation of literacy will focus on the ability to multitask and integrate information from a variety of different types of sources in collaborative and multicultural settings. While standardized testing will continue to be one form of literacy assessment, other types of assessments will be project- and performance-based, i.e. assessments based on real world integrative tasks.

Significance

The development of 21st century literacy should enable students to successfully navigate a world where flexibility, change, and cooperation are essential.

References

• Always Learning: Essential Understandings for 21st Century Literacy
• American Association of School Librarians: Standards for 21st Century Learners