Recent results from a survey conducted by Mathematica and Data Science 4 Everyone show that while educators and parents agree that data literacy is an important skill as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in students’ lives, many feel their local schools do not offer enough opportunities to learn it.
Results drawn from 1,333 parents and teachers in Colorado, Louisiana and Tennessee show that 88 percent believe all students should be data literate before graduating high school and 76 percent said that AI has made learning this skill even more important, but just 58 percent agreed schools provide opportunities to develop this skill.
Additionally, 84 percent of respondents agreed that data literacy and data science should be integrated into subjects beyond just math or computer science.
Although the California State Board of Education adopted a new Mathematics Framework in 2023 that recommends all students learn introductory data science in high school, the four key implications for policymakers, educators, and school and district leaders outlined in the report could help to support implementation of data literacy.
According to researchers, education policymakers should consider:
Expanding opportunities for students to develop data and AI-related competencies. The gap between what survey respondents saw in terms of the value of data literacy and how effectively it’s being taught in schools “points to the need for continued investment in curriculum, instructional resources, and professional learning that support educators in integrating data and AI-related competencies into teaching and learning,” the report states. “Importantly, the findings suggest that AI education should extend beyond tool exposure to include the academic skills to question outputs and understand basic mechanics of how AI models operate.”
Prioritizing durable skills in an evolving technological landscape. Respondents prioritized “competencies viewed as more durable in a rapidly changing technological environment,” including critical thinking, problem-solving and developing strong foundations in core academic subjects over narrower technical skills such as coding or prompting AI tools. While specific AI tools and techniques will continue to evolve, having the ability to evaluate information will remain relevant across technologies, contexts and careers, according to the report.
Integrating data literacy across subjects. Findings from the survey suggest opportunities and willingness to embed data use, evidence evaluation and interpretation of information into existing coursework in areas beyond science, technology, engineering and mathematics, such as social studies, English language arts and other disciplines.
Connecting data literacy to civic participation. “Respondents saw data literacy as important not only for college and career readiness but also for informed civic participation,” the report states. “As students navigate increasingly complex information environments, opportunities to evaluate evidence, interpret data, and assess competing claims will become increasingly important components of civic readiness.”
