Kay begins by stating that we, as public schools, are on the threshold of a tipping point-- "the moment when a critical mass of circumstances come together and sets us on a new and unstoppable course." (p. xiii). While we approach this tipping point, it is important we understand the three important answers to why we need a new model for education in the 21st century. First, the world is changing. Change or remain the same- sink or swim- those who can change with the world will be successful, and those that can not change, will be left behind. Second, US schools and students have not adapted to the changing world. Common Core, at the root of it, is to help our students "catch up" to the progress made from students internationally, and to help our teachers teach our students appropriately to what is available to them. In America, with the utilization of technology not at its fullest, students are not as eager to learn in the old fashion ways. These students are basically coming out of the womb with a cell phone attached to their ear, yet they're still taking notes out of a textbook. Thirdly, The United States has no clear sense of purpose or direction for securing our future economic competitiveness. Complacency, a word feared by many, but descriptive of more- especially in America. STEM is excelling world wide, yet the US seems terribly complacent with their status.
Students, with 21st century skills will be prepared to think, learn, work, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, and contribute. The times are a'changin' and it seems the more time that passes, the answer becomes easier and easier to answer. America, public schools, students, teachers: should we sink or should we swim?
