The document discusses the skills and values needed for the 21st century. It outlines recommendations from various reports and experts on skills like creativity, teamwork, communication, problem solving, and ethics. Howard Gardner identifies disciplines mind, synthesizing mind, creating mind, respectful mind and ethical mind as important. The National Leadership Council emphasizes cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills like communication, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. Educational Testing Service also stresses the importance of skills beyond knowledge alone, including creativity, communication, teamwork, resilience, planning and organization, and ethics. Six aptitudes are identified as particularly important for the 21st century: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning.

1. The Generative Question: What curriculum will prepare students for the 21st Century? What skills & values will be required?

2. The New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce creativity and innovation facility with the use of ideas and abstractions self-discipline and organization to manage one’s own work and drive it through to successful conclusion leadership ability to function well as a member of a team

3. Howard Gardner disciplined mind (expertise in a field) synthesizing mind (scanning and weaving into coherence) creating mind (discovery and innovation) respectful mind (open mindedness and inclusiveness) ethical mind (moral courage)

4. The National Leadership Council for Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) cross-disciplinary knowledge communication skills teamwork analytical reasoning real world problem-solving skills

5. Educational Testing Service (ETS) Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) ETS’ new Personal Potential Index 1-5 scale for rec letters to accompany candidate’s GRE scores to graduate school: knowledge and creativity communication skills team work resilience, planning and organization ethics and integrity

6. Six Aptitudes for the 21 st C. 1. Not just function but also Design . We must be able to create things beautiful, whimsical, or emotionally engaging. 2. Not just argument, but also Story . The essence of persuasion, communication, and self-understanding has become the ability also to fashion a compelling narrative. 3. Not just focus, but also Symphony . What's in greatest demand today isn't analysis but synthesis-- seeing the big picture, crossing boundaries, and being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting new whole. 4. Not just logic, but also Empathy . What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow man or woman tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others. 5. Not just seriousness but also Play . Too much sobriety can be bad for your career; in the Conceptual Age, in work and life, we’ll need to play. 6. Not just accumulation, but also Meaning . With material plenty, we have been liberated to pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence, and spiritual fulfillment.