Wednesday, July 1. 2009

New Map Puts Geography in the Curriculum

The week marked the National Education Computing Conference (NECC) in D.C. Among the geospatial highlights was the rollout of the latest in its series of 21st century roadmaps for core academic subjects, K-12 science and geography. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council for Geographic Education are behind the effort.

These maps are numbers 3 and 4 in the series and "provide a framework and resources for integrating technology and other 21st century skills into core subject areas." They "include lesson plans for integrating 21st century skills into existing curricula, as well as specific student outcomes, along with models designed to help enhance student achievement at specific grade levels."

Said Joseph Kerski, vice president of external relations for the NCGE (and ESRI employee):

The 21st Century Skills and Geography Map presents some of the best teacher-created examples of geographic education," said J. "This work augments our mission to enhance the status and quality of geographic teaching and learning and ensures students engage in spatial analysis and inquiry that will prepare them for today's rapidly changing world.