Let Kids Run the Banks To Educate Them for the 21st Century

Educating children is changing. It must change. Computing literacy and learning about the digital world is crucial, but kids also need to be geared to be literate in solving problems, thinking creatively and collaborating. Arithmatic, reading and writing are no longer sufficient skills for the US to able to compete globally. New Hampshire Public Radio explain how schools are preparing their students for the 21st century by building these skills, partnering with multinational corporations and local business to develop a new modern curricula.

The curricula of The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is being implemented in 14 schools. They've determined that most schools and policy makers are too focused on an old model: mastery of four core subjects. They think that's not enough for success: global competence, civic engagement and financial literacy are now just as important.

It's done in math by teaching the subject in a wider context - linking it to business practices and giving students more basic financial skills. Partnerships are made with credit unions, and students have in some schools then set up their own branches to understand marketing, finance, and in turn teaching younger schools by operating a bank-in-school program for middle and elementary schools. These skills are crucial, and can be easily layered on top of currents subjects to create a more rounded, specific, and engaging curricula, so a students will never ask "Why am I being taught this, it'll never be any use."

Photo credit: Pfala