Above & Beyond Emphasizes Value of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity

WASHINGTON, DC - July 27 2011 - Today, the Partnership for 21 Century Skills and FableVision released an original animated film that underscores the educational benefits of integrating high expectations, rigorous content and the crucial 21 Century Skills all children need to succeed in school and life. Written and illustrated by best-selling children's book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, Above & Beyond tells the story of how the 4Cs -- communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity - complement and strengthen traditional school instruction.

"Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching and learning," said Peter H. Reynolds, acclaimed children's book author and illustrator, and co-founder of FableVision. "It's also a powerful tool for humanizing and clearly conveying complex messages and ideas."

"This animated story offers an important conversation-starter for audiences at education conferences, professional development days, parent and community meetings," added Julie Walker, executive director of the American Association of School Librarians and chair of P21. "Anyone can use this film to begin the important conversation about what learning in the 21st century must accomplish."

The new film tells the story of two school children who realize and demonstrate that they can go above and beyond even their own expectations when they combine their skills, talents and different approaches to getting things done. The allegorical story reinforces the message that improving the odds for success of all students, schools today must thoughtfully and intentionally emphasize rigorous content the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of higher education, career and life in a global society and world economy.

"This animation isn't just a story about the 4Cs, it's a story that was created by the 4Cs," explained Tim Magner, P21 executive director. "Parents, business leaders and educators today know firsthand that the 4Cs are an essential link between content knowledge and real world experience."

"Developing this film with P21 leaders and members serves as a case study for how the 4Cs can help to meet real world challenges," said Paul H. Reynolds, co-founder and CEO of FableVision. "We hope this story about the power and potential of an education system that embraces and nurtures communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity, inspires and encourages educators, parents, policymakers and students to do all they can to better prepare every student for the challenges they will face in school, work and life."

To view Above & Beyond and download a free 4Cs poster, go to www.p21.org/4Cs

 

About P21: P21 is a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, P21 and its members provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system keep up by fusing the three Rs and four Cs (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity and innovation). While leading districts and schools are already doing this, P21 advocates for local, state and federal policies that support this approach for every school.

About FableVision: FableVision Studios creates award-winning websites, games & activities, animated films, interactive graphic novels, museum kiosks, digital storybooks, desktop applications, and iPhone apps. FableVision's media, storytelling and technology solutions move the meter for publishers, broadcasters, museums, research groups, foundations, and educational institutions. FableVision is dedicated to helping all learners reach their full potential and to telling "stories that matter, stories that move."

P21 Member organizations: Adobe Systems, Inc., American Association of School Librarians, Apple Inc., Blackboard, Inc., Cable in the Classroom, Cengage Learning, Cisco Systems, Inc., The College Board's Advanced Placement Program (AP), Crayola, Dell, Inc., EdLeader21, EF Education, Education Networks of America, ETS, Ford Motor Company Fund, GlobalScholar, Goddard Systems Inc., Hewlett Packard, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Intel Corporation, JA Worldwide, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, Learning Point Associates, LEGO Group, McGraw-Hill, Measured Progress, Microsoft Corporation, National Academy Foundation, National Education Association, netTrekker, Oracle Education Foundation, Pearson, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Verizon, and VIF International Education.

Organizations interested in joining the Partnership may contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Media Contact: Tatyana Varshavsky at (202) 312-6430; or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     

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