The Metiri Group
enGauge framework for 21st century skills--not as complete information as the enGauge site on NCREL was, but that site seems to have been taken down.
Blog posts
21st-Century Workforce: T.H.E. Journal Online
Looking at skills current graduates are lacking: critical thinking, problem solving, communication. The emphasis on NCLB and standardized tests means less emphasis on these deeper and necessary skills. The solution proposed is to make the curriculum more relevant by integrating these skills throughout.