Office of the Secretary

In June 2007, South Dakota became the fifth state to join the Partnership for 21st Century Skills’ State Leadership Initiative. The national initiative promotes the teaching and learning of 21st century skills. Twenty-first century skills have been defined by business leaders as those skills necessary for young people to live and work in today’s highly competitive, global economy. They include skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, leadership and technology literacy. As part of its involvement in the Partnership, South Dakota has created a P21 Advisory Council. This group of business leaders and policy makers will advise state education leaders on the effectiveness of South Dakota’s education system, from pre-kindergarten to the doctoral level.