Whether the decision is made to go directly into the work force or further their education, a well-rounded student needs to be equipped with the proper knowledge and skills necessary for success in our ever-changing world. Instructional methods that rely on the cycle of lecture, homework, and assessment are not student-centered and do not teach essential skills. 21st century skills are the foundation of this study, which is focused on the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. The purpose of this research study was to examine the frequency of 21st century skills present in planning, projects, and assignments, as well as gain a better understanding of how they were included in middle school classroom instruction. In this mixed methods study, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from each of the eight participants through a survey. The survey was then followed by individual interviews. Through data analysis, the quantitative data indicated critical thinking and creativity were the most frequently present skills among the participants. The qualitative data, which was coded and merged with the quantitative data, assisted in confirming those findings. The data gathered provided valuable information on the current presence of 21st century skills incorporated into classroom instruction. This information will be used to design future professional development plans to ensure 21st century skills are intentionally integrated into future curriculum planning and incorporated into assignments, projects, and activities.
