Education 21 is an innovative program of education for the 21st Century.  With just three simple changes, we will see the Students of the 21st Century emerge.  Each of the changes is innovative and transformational

The first change is to teach reading by meaning rather than sound.  The traditional approach is to start with letters and sounds and build words. This is a long process that can take 5 years.  In addition, 20% cannot do it and are called dyslexic.

The Education 21 approach treats reading like listening.  A simple example is to point at a cat and say the word cat.  If we show the printed word “cat” at the same time, the child will learn reading and listening simultaneously.  In a typical lesson the teacher shows and says a printed word, and the student thinks about the word.  The teacher says the word and the student repeats it.  As a result of the program dyslexia has been virtually eliminated and children start Primary 1 already reading and writing.

The approach is not only innovative, but it is also transformative because the child associates meaning with a word, not its sound.  It encourages thinking before speaking and sets the stage for speed reading.

The second change is to replace arithmetic with estimation and subitizing.  Arithmetic and counting have been automated by computers.  This opens the way to develop and use computational skills that do not give an exact answer, but one close enough to be useful.  We use estimation when we decide on how much to tip.  A painter is subitizing when he looks at a room and says it will take 3 cans of paint.  We want to explore the limits of these unbounded skills and challenge our students.

The final change is in the learning/evaluation strategy.  Traditionally, a Lecture/memorize/test approach is used.  Memory for facts, more than their use.  Will use project-based learning and authentic assessment.  The facts are available and the student must use them to complete a project.

Education 21 does not change the content of curricula, just the way any curriculum is taught.  Teacher training and classroom technology are minimal, and it can cut costs.  For example, what is the cost of dyslexia?