Petri Introduces Bill to Promote 21st Century Skills in Schools

Statement

Today, Congressman Tom Petri (WI-06), a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, introduced legislation to give states and local school districts more flexibility to teach the skills required in a modern economy.

"The skills needed for success go beyond the basics of reading, writing, and math," Petri said.

"When surveyed, employers continually emphasize that, in our 21st century economy, students need to be adept at critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation."

The 21st Century Readiness Act would ease regulations to allow states and local school districts to utilize existing federal grants to integrate these skills into their curriculum.

"Rapid technological advances require people in the workforce to be flexible and think outside-the-box to solve problems," said Petri. "And we should allow our schools to use federal funds to teach students the skills they need to get a job and be successful."

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