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In many classrooms, rigor often equates to lots of busy-work or dozens of additional questions well after mastery has been demonstrated. The Association for School and Curriculum Development (ASCD) recently published an article in its October 2008 edition of Educational Leadership in which author Tony Wagner claims that even the best schools fail to prepare students for future success.

Among what areas do these schools tend to fall short?

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
2. Collaboration and Team Work
3. Effective Oral and Written Communication
4. Analyzing Information
5. Curiosity and Creativity


"I look for someone who asks good questions," said Clay Parker, president of the Chemical Management Division of BOC Edwards. "We can teach them technical stuff, but we can't teach them (how to think)."

According to Wagner, today's students need to master seven survival skills to succeed in the world of work. His list was derived from research with hundreds of informants that included leaders in business and education. Wagner also comments on how successful classrooms in any discipline promote critical thinking and collaborative problem solving skills. Take a look and share your views by using the comment feature below.