21st Century Skills or Workforce Readiness Skills (WRS) are infused throughout the DCPS Secondary curricula for grades six through twelve. These skills will be taught alongside technical and academic skills. They are intended to increase student marketability, employability and readiness for citizenship.

Any questions should be directed to Mrs. Carly Woolfolk, Director of Secondary and Career/Technical Education, at 804-469-4190.

Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth: Needs Identified by Virginia Employers

Personal Qualities and People Skills

  1. POSITIVE WORK ETHIC: Comes to work every day on time, is willing to take direction, and is motivated to accomplish the task at hand
  2. INTEGRITY: Abides by workplace policies and laws and demonstrates honesty and reliability
  3. TEAMWORK: Contributes to the success of the team, assists others, and requests help when needed
  4. SELF-REPRESENTATION: Dresses appropriately and uses language and manners suitable for the workplace
  5. DIVERSITY AWARENESS: Works well with all customers and coworkers
  6. CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Negotiates diplomatic solutions to interpersonal and workplace issues
  7. CREATIVITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS: Contributes new ideas and works with initiative

Professional Knowledge and Skills

  1. SPEAKING AND LISTENING: Follows directions and communicates effectively with customers and fellow employees
  2. READING AND WRITING: Reads and interprets workplace documents and writes clearly
  3. CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING: Analyzes and resolves problems that arise in completing assigned tasks
  4. HEALTH AND SAFETY: Follows safety guidelines and manages personal health
  5. ORGANIZATIONS, SYSTEMS, AND CLIMATES: Identifies “big picture” issues and his or her role in fulfilling the mission of the workplace
  6. LIFELONG LEARNING: Continually acquires new industry-related information and improves professional skills
  7. JOB ACQUISITION AND ADVANCEMENT: Prepares to apply for a job and to seek promotion
  8. TIME, TASK, AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Organizes and implements a productive plan of work
  9. MATHEMATICS: Uses mathematical reasoning to accomplish tasks
  10. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Identifies and addresses the needs of all customers, providing helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable service

Technology Knowledge and Skills

  1. JOB-SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGIES: Selects and safely uses technological resources to accomplish work responsibilities in a productive manner
  2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Uses computers, file management techniques, and software/programs effectively
  3. INTERNET USE AND SECURITY: Uses the internet appropriately for work
  4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Selects and uses appropriate devices, services, and applications