| In a highly competitive and rapidly changing world, many countries are finding a need to adapt to a global market and a country's educational system can arguably be the driving force behind economic development. Over the past few decades, Costa Rica has seen investment by multinational corporations (MNCs) and a shift in the education system's responsibility to develop students who are technically literate and possess 21st-century skills. The resulting growth of technology as a major export has provided new direction and opportunity.;The Costa Rican school system faces many challenge, however, as the burden to ensure its future workforce has the skillset to take on new job opportunities of the future is great. Despite having 5 national universities, 51 private universities, and a 95% literacy rate, there remains a low secondary graduation rate and a low percentage of students pursuing higher education.;In order to prepare students in Costa Rica to compete in a high-technology global market, educational shifts to ensure future economic success may be required. To make these educational shifts, leaders in government, industry, and the education system will need to work together. This study describes the impact globalization and MNCs have had on educational leadership and the development of 21st-century skills in schools in Costa Rica. |
