Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are Skills for the 21st Century?
A: Skills for the 21st Century are a set of abilities that allow us to function independently in the 21st century. The tools we have available to us now are quickly changing. As the tools change, we need to learn new behaviors to work effectively with these tools.

Q: Who might benefit through these resources?
A: People who are willing to make a commitment to improving their personal habits changing their lives in a positive way. Learners who are returning to school or anyone who wants to establish some personal direction and develop independent skills to function effectively in the 21st century will benefit from these resources.

Q: How might students use the resources independently?
A: Some of activities on this web site may be used to build a personal portfolio. Other activities on the site may be used for personal growth.

Q: Where can additional resources found?
A: Look on the links page for other sites that provided similar information and activities.

Q: What is Blueprint for life?
A: Blueprint for life maps out the life/work competencies Canadians need to proactively manage their career building process, from kindergarten to adulthood.

Q: How are the resources on this site related to Saskatchewan curriculum objectives?
A: Resources on this site may be used to complement curriculum objectives in related middle years and high school courses. PAA, Career and Work Exploration and Wellness 10 are high school courses that have related curriculum connections.

Q: Do learners with independent skills  need these resources?

A: These resources may be helpful for learners who are looking for resources and support related to establishing a career path and a personal plan. Many of the resources target developing independent skills that an independent learner may review.

Q: What are the most common needs of returning young adults?

A: Many returning young adults lack independent learning skills and are looking for something that will help to re- focus their decision making process. In many cases plans to make changes in daily behaviour patterns can be a fundamental turning point.

Q: How many returning young adults are there in the province?
A: Although there are no recent statistics that indicate drop-out rates in Saskatchewan, it is commonly recognized among school counsellors and teachers that there are high numbers of early school leavers. Some of these individuals have returned to post-secondary programs for "second chance" opportunities, but the vast majority do not return to public school. The current percentage is likely between 10 and 18.

Q: What are schools in the province of Saskatchewan doing to meet the needs of this growing student population?
A: Many schools are struggling to reflect social change and changing needs of young adults. Reflecting on community needs, changing values and patterns are part of the process in reflecting the community within schools. In schools across the province there are hundreds of "alternative" approaches to meeting changing needs that are met with varied success.

Q: Can a student get a high school credit for completing or using the resources on this site?
A: Although resources on this site are related to curriculum objectives from various courses, they are not intended to be used as a primary resource for a single course. It is expected that learners and instructors will find resources on the site that may complement related activities.