Iowa Leads Nation in Preeminent State-Led Education Reform Initiatives

Iowa among seven states to earn education award

For the first time since the program's inception, seven states have received the 21st Century Skills Practice of the Year Award, which commemorates the country's preeminent state-led education reform initiatives. Six states received the award last year.

Iowa, Kansas, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia and Wisconsin were honored at Institute.21, an annual event showcasing the progress states have made toward infusing 21st century skills into core subjects. The institute highlights the impact 21st century skills initiatives have on student engagement and achievement.

"These states have performed an invaluable service by creating national models to guide other states in establishing 21st century learning policies and practices," said Paige Johnson, worldwide manager, K-12 education, Intel Corp. and chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. "These awards highlight best practices for states as they build world-class education systems to ensure their students graduate with the knowledge and skills required of effective citizens, workers and leaders."