8. Submit the text double-spaced for easier reading and editing, including a cover page and a brief biographical blurb. Follow the stated submission rules carefully.

If you are afraid you have nothing to say or cannot write, try reading “Writing for a Profes- sional Journal” in Virginia Educational Leadership, Fall 2007, for assurance that you can and for specific pointers on developing an idea into an article. We are waiting for your ideas; we are ready to publish.

Carol Blauvelt, a classroom English teacher for over thirty years, currently works as a professional development specialist for secondary language arts in Prince William County Schools.

Hard Facts and Soſt Skills

Alexander Terego

In the 21st century, facts matter. So too does an ability to collaborate in the formation of authentic opinions; the application of critical thinking to a range of problems; and the clear communication of the outcomes.

The argument now raging in academic circles pits those who espouse teaching 21st century skills against those who believe that we should be teaching explicit and well-sequenced con- tent. This debate has largely been framed as an either/or proposition. In my view, portraying this debate as one between two mutually exclusive sides is a disservice, and, I find it discour- aging that finding common ground between the two sides is proving a challenge. Debate is a powerful weapon in the battle to uncover truth. However, irreconcilable positions will not help the 50,000,000 children in our schools. Rather we must have dialogue with consensus as the outcome.

The newly-minted 21st century skills, according to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2008), have been variously listed as computer literacy, analytical skills, problem-solving, communications abilities, collaborative skills, critical thinking, and creativity. It is worth not-

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Virginia Educational Leadership

Vol. 7 No. 1

Spring 2010