Out-of-School-Time Learning and 21st-Century Skills: Building on the Past to Shape the Future

• In Event: The State and Future of the Out-of-School Time Field

Abstract

Objectives
The OST field is at a pivotal point in its history. Multiple sectors, including education, workforce development, early childhood, and OST, are increasingly recognizing the importance of 21st century skills and social and emotional skill-building to success in school, work, and life. This recognition, as well as shifting policy levers, have led the sectors to begin collaborating in an unprecedented way. Because social and emotional skill-building is something the OST field has historically done well, there is an opportunity for the OST field to take a leadership role in this movement. Doing so will require building a clear understanding of how the foundations of the OST field contribute to understandings of social and emotional learning (SEL) and cross-sector partnerships to develop shared language and goals.
Perspectives
The presentation will begin by describing the foundation of the OST field, defining 21st century skills, and offering an explanation for how the conversation about 21st century skills has shifted to emphasize skills that help youth to recognize and manage their emotions, build and maintain relationships, and make good decisions.
Methods and Data
The presenter will discuss the results of a literature review and trend analysis on the development of 21st Century Skills as a framework over the past 20 years. The presenter will describe the research evidence that these skills are critical to lifelong success and that youth who participate in high-quality OST programs with intentional opportunities for SEL are better able to develop social and emotional skills and, ultimately, do better in school (Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011; Durlak, Weissberg, & Pachan, 2010; Kataoka & Vandell, 2013).
Results
This section of the presentation will discuss the various ways the field has framed the development of 21st Century Skills, alternatively as providing skills to help young people avoid “risk” (Catalano & Hawkins, 1996); helping youth build upon their assets (Benson, 2003) or character (Berkowitz & Bier, 2005); and using a strengths-based approach to positive youth development (Hamilton, Hamilton, and Pittman, 2004). This section will also highlight two strategies (project-based learning and college and career readiness programs) the OST field has historically used to promote social and emotional skill building.
The presenter will then discuss current policy and practice movements that have influenced the shift from 21st century skills to SEL, including the Every Student Succeeds Act, growing workplace emphasis on the importance of social and emotional competencies, and the development of SEL standards in many states. The presentation will end with a charge for the field to take a leadership role in partnering with other sectors to support 21st century skill building and SEL. The presenter will share recommendations for researchers and practitioners on how to build a common language, be more intentional about social and emotional skill building, invest in staff, and partner on this work.
Significance
This session has significance for the OST field by providing an interpretation of how OST programs can support SEL, as a popular framework today, by applying a historical lens on the field.

Author

• Elizabeth D Devaney, Children's Institute