Two Cal Poly professors are among academics nationwide who provided content for an updated K-12 classroom curriculum on statistics through the U.S. Census Bureau.
Last September, the Census Bureau unveiled its newly updated “Statistics in Schools Program” for K-12 teachers and students.
“The program offers free, classroom-ready geography, history/social studies, math and sociology activities and resources that incorporate current and historical data to help students understand real-world applications of statistics,” the Census Bureau said in a news release.
The Poly profs who took part were Roxy Peck, a professor emerita of statistics, and statistics professor, Beth Chance. Peck and Chance also both contributed to the middle and high school math activities.
“The Census Bureau is proud to have worked with educators from across the nation on activities that will help increase the statistical literacy of America’s youth,” said Nancy Potok, Census Bureau deputy director and chief operating officer. “Understanding the value behind the numbers that measure our changing society will help leaders of tomorrow learn how to make data-driven decisions that shape communities for generations to come.”
Launched for the 2000 Census, the education program was designed to help students better understand the importance of the census count. The program was revamped to meet changing classroom needs for a “data-driven world.”
“It provides teachers with searchable activities, organized by grade and school subject, to develop students’ statistical literacy and data analysis skills,” according to the Census Bureau. “The program also includes tools that allow students to search for and analyze data to support what they are learning in the classroom.”
Prof. Peck added, “These activities provide teachers with opportunities to teach statistical concepts and data analysis skills to students in various subjects, not just math. The need for statistically literate citizens continues to grow as we become a more data-driven society.”
The curriculum was also developed in conjunction with people who homeschool their children. “Prior to expanding the program,” Shannon Tucker, director for media relations, said, “the Census Bureau conducted research with parents to who homeschool their children to find out what they need most and how to produce resources that they can use.
“What’s nice about this program is that it’s not a full curriculum so it allows teachers [and home school parents] to pick and choose activities to supplement their existing lesson plans. For that reason, it appeals to a wide variety of educators because it’s so flexible.
For more information about Statistics in Schools, see: www.census.gov/schools.
