The Partnership for 21st Century Skills continues to strengthen its ability to help states redefine learning for the millennium, and the appointment of new board leadership provides opportunity to define the organization's goals.

Paige Kuni, worldwide manager of K-12 education for Intel Corporation, was elected the new board chair for the 2008-2009 academic year. Kathy Hurley, senior vice president of strategic partnerships for Pearson School and Pearson Foundation, was elected to serve as vice chair. Julie Walker, executive director of the American Association of School Librarians and Doug Levin, senior director of education policy for Cable in the Classroom, will continue their roles as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Kuni, who is responsible for collaborating with educators and government leaders worldwide on programs to help students prepare and develop 21st century skills, said one of her primary goals will be to enhance the resources available to the nine partner states that have adopted the Partnership's Framework for 21st Century Learning. In addition, Kuni is intent on leading the national dialogue on the critical teaching and learning outcomes needed in a global society and marketplace. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, under Kuni's leadership, plans to release several important papers and host several national meetings that will intensify the conversations at all levels surrounding 21st century skills, including:

• 21st Century Skills, Education & Competiveness paper for policymakers that discusses the vital intersections of the U.S. economy and global competitiveness with education;
• Presidential Transition Paper focused on making recommendations that engage the new administration in 21st century education outcomes;
• and National Summit on 21st Century Skills, which will build on the movement and momentum surrounding the reform initiatives already in progress.

Three new organizations have also joined the partnership: K12, Learning Point Associates and Scholastic Education.

Source: Partnership for 21^st Skills Press Release, Partnership for 21st Century Skills Announces New Board Leadership