The term "21st Century Skills" is often used to describe core competencies such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving; skills that crossover all content areas and are excellent indicators of college and career readiness. In order to succeed in an increasingly complex, interconnected and rapidly changing world our students must be highly adaptable and develop the problem-solving and communication skills to navigate the rapidly shifting sands of the 21st Century. Courses at Portsmouth High School strive to combine content knowledge with opportunities to demonstrate and develop these essential skills.
In 2014, Portsmouth High School staff developed a Mission Statement featuring the school’s Core Values. Under the 21st Century Learning Expectations, PHS identifies goals for all of our graduates to:
Communicate effectively
Be critical thinkers and problem solvers
Initiative and self-direct
Be creative and innovate
Work collaboratively
Be responsible citizens
Staff also developed a Schoolwide 21st Century Rubric for assessing students’ progression in these skills and to provide feedback to students. Teachers provide feedback to students on their 21C progressions in Infinite Campus. It should be noted that 21st Century scores do not appear on transcripts at this time. While this is a goal for the future, until staff have more opportunities to assess 21C skills and outline consistent expectations and students have a clear understanding of those expectations, 21C scores will only be used as feedback to students and their families. The scores will also not factor into grade point average calculations.
At PHS we strive to engage, challenge and develop the whole learner, including the skills they’ll need to meet the complex demands of the future. For additional information on 21st Century Skills visit:
