Anya Kamenetz tells us that even though many educators agree there are several skills students need  that cannot be measured or tracked through standardized testing, few can agree upon what to call these skills. Many are nebulous in nature, so it’s difficult to define them clearly. However, Kamenetz does her best to name and define seven top skills “Nonacademic Skills Are Key To Success. But What Should We Call Them?”):

• 21st-Century skills
• Character
• Grit
• Growth mindset
• Non-cognitive traits and habits
• Social and emotional skills
• Soft skills

What are your thoughts? Should any be added to this list?

Read this article on NPR.

Kamenetz, Anya. “Nonacademic Skills Are Key To Success. But What Should We Call Them?” NPR. NPR, 28 May 2015. Web. 30 May 2015.