Into the Future

There is a part of our educational lingo that drives me crazy. Yet I can't seem to find a better replacement to use instead. This is the year 2017. We are already 17 years into the 21st Century. I agree these skill areas are essential:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking

But saying if we frame things as "aiming for", "focusing on", "improving" etc our students' readiness and preparation for "21st Century Skills", aren't we already setting them up to be behind the times. And yet, I seem to be unable to find a term that I like better. Perhaps we should focus on:

• Future Learning Skills (not right)
• Essential Skills (not quite right)
• 22nd Century Skills
• Skills Necessary for Success

Has anyone's district adopted a terminology that expresses aiming for the future but with these important skills in mind? I'd love to find something that I can use without cringing every time someone says "21st Century Skills".