The standards cited below are taken directly from the section on Data Analysis and Probability of the Principles & Standards for School Mathematics developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. These standards describe in a comprehensive way the benefits of incorporating survey results in teaching students the importance of understanding the role survey material plays in everyone’s daily life.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Principles & Standards for School Mathematics
Data Analysis and Probability
Principles & Standards for School Mathematics
Data Analysis and Probability
“To reason statistically—is essential to be an informed citizen, employee, and consumer—students need to learn about data analysis and related aspects of probability.
The amount of statistical information available to help make decisions in business, politics, research, and everyday life is staggering. Consumer surveys guide the development and marketing of products. Experiments evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medical treatments. Statistics sway public opinion on issues and represent—or misrepresent—the quality and effectiveness of commercial products. Through experiences with the collection and analysis of data, students learn how to interpret such information.
Young children will not develop statistical reasoning if it is not included in the curriculum. Work in data analysis and probability offers a natural way for students to connect mathematics with other school subjects and with everyday experiences. Students in grades 9-12, for example, should understand the various purposes of surveys, observational studies, and experiments.”
The amount of statistical information available to help make decisions in business, politics, research, and everyday life is staggering. Consumer surveys guide the development and marketing of products. Experiments evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medical treatments. Statistics sway public opinion on issues and represent—or misrepresent—the quality and effectiveness of commercial products. Through experiences with the collection and analysis of data, students learn how to interpret such information.
Young children will not develop statistical reasoning if it is not included in the curriculum. Work in data analysis and probability offers a natural way for students to connect mathematics with other school subjects and with everyday experiences. Students in grades 9-
