What it means to be educated in the 21st century
Noted developmental psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget stated “The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered.”
An educated person in the 21st century is a creative problem solver with a keen ability to deconstruct complex problems into their core components. They have a strong understanding of processes and how to reconstruct those core components, along with their own ideas, to create innovative solutions.
They are dynamic communicators who are tolerant of the diverse cultures and needs of a global society. They collaborate with others intellectually and creatively, express and defend their opinions, and consider the ideas of others in order to find solutions that will benefit all parties involved.
They are magnetic leaders with strong social intelligence and the ability to assemble and motivate diverse groups of people. They easily connect with others, find the connections between groups, and build consensus to create unity.
They understand that in our fast paced culture there is no single right answer. The more important task is to identify the goal, find a path towards it, and start moving. They easily re- evaluate situations and adapt to new changes that arise.
They leverage technology to create connections, build processes, and optimize productivity. They value physical interaction and experience and maintain a positive balance between technology and human connections.
They celebrate the value of creativity. Actively engaging in the arts encourages self-awareness, sparks their imagination, and facilitates true self-expression.
It is the goal of PEAK Cooperative Charter to nurture and develop these core components in our students to produce inspired, balanced individuals who have a passion for life, learning, and fearless contribution to the greater good of our planet.