The world has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The population has grown, new technology is being created constantly. Transportation and modes of communication have developed far beyond what many would have imagined. The economy is influenced by technology – how we shop, where we live and travel as well as entertainment. No doubt you would agree that the education system has not kept pace with these advancements. Most US schools utilize the education model of teaching with a focus on standardized tests as those results determine the schools funding. While the information on the standardized tests are deemed the baseline educational requirements, the world and economy require a much different skill set. There is a focus on creativity, innovation and collaboration in the world. There has been a decline in jobs that require only routine cognitive skills and an increase in those jobs that require critical thinking and problem solving, a desire to move away from group think and into more of a collaborative environment where all on the team are valued and bring innovative solutions to the table.
