Statistics for Action

ADULT NUMERACY @ TERC

 

 

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Statistics for Action is made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation (grant DRL-0812954).

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

 

What is Statistics for Action?

 

Statistics for Action (SfA) was funded by the National Science Foundation in 2008 in an effort to assist adults as they confront environmental issues in their communities. With appropriate tools and resources, every adult should be able to:

  • read and understand a permit of air or water pollution discharge;
  • understand state environmental reports and regulations;
  • be literate in understanding Notices of Violation and Complaints Filed in public records—these are key to regulation of existing pollution sources and challenging new permits;
  • go to public hearings and speak out—making it clear that pollution causes disease.
SfA researchers are developing materials (including training manuals, videos, and fact sheets) to help environmental organizers and the citizen activists they serve grasp mathematical concepts (e.g., quantifying hazards, interpreting text results, and comparing large numbers) in relevant contexts, ranging from how to gauge toxic levels of carcinogens in parts per billion to how to analyze the short-term profits versus the long-term expenses of building a landfill. Based on prior research and trial runs of SfA materials and methodologies, project researchers anticipate that citizens will be empowered to communicate environmental and health concerns to their neighbors, elected officials, and decision-makers accurately and confidently in their understanding of the numbers that underlie local issues.

SfA was initially funded as a one year planning grant (2006-2007). During that time, TERC staff worked with the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition’s Parent Asthma Leaders as well as the Rutherford County Citizens Against Pollution to analyze data and test results. Click here to read more about TERC's work with the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition.

SfA draws heavily on TERC’s prior work in adult education classrooms and with after-school educators.