Using Project-Based Learning to Build College and Career Readiness Among Diverse Learners

In the rapidly evolving Information Age, high school students need a set of skills to succeed in college, careers, and civic life that differ vastly from what learners needed just a generation ago. The National Research Council identified a set of key student competencies that support adult outcomes and are referred to as “21st century skills” and “college and career readiness skills” (Pellegrino & Hilton, 2012). These competencies, which include the four Cs—collaboration, critical thinking/problem solving, communication, and creativity (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2009)—are woven throughout Common Core State Standards (CCSS), are increasingly emphasized in schools across the United States, and are in demand by American employers (Pellegrino & Hilton, 2012). However, educators have faced the challenge of integrating these higher-order thinking skills into core academic subjects; as a result, some in education have turned to PjBL as a potential solution.