Future Edge presenter says school focuses on 20 'first‑century' skills, collaborative classrooms

A Staff member from Future Edge told attendees that the school prioritizes teaching 20 “first century” skills and designs classrooms to promote collaborative learning.

“Future Edge is special because we spend a lot of time developing 20 first century skills with our students,” the Staff member said. “Students are learning to communicate. They are learning to use critical thinking skills, being able to answer the question, how do you know? Or why do you think that is?”

The presenter said classroom furniture is arranged to encourage collaborative conversations and learning, and that staff take time to learn students’ names and family contexts. “We know every single 1 of them by name, their families, and we know what they need to be successful,” the Staff member said.

The presenter emphasized relationship-building as central to the school’s work: “The students here know that we know them. That's why we're here. Right? Is to build those connections and know that this is a safe place and and that the students are our number 1 priority,” they said.

On planning and student goals, the presenter described a process of helping students “owning their future” and backward planning to reach goals: “How do you have a goal? What's the next step? And and showing them that it is possible and providing them the the pathway to do so.”

The presenter made an unexplained remark referencing “line 5 and line 6” that was not clarified during the remarks. No formal decision or action was recorded during the presentation.