Providence Reporter

The American Mathematical Society (AMS)—together with several other professional organizations in the mathematical sciences—endorses the bipartisan Data Science and Literacy Act (H.R. 1050) introduced by Haley Stevens (MI-11), Jim Baird (IN-4), Don Beyer (VA-8), and Young Kim (CA-40) in the US House of Representatives.

The Data Science and Literacy Act of 2023 supports a voluntary program at the Department of Education through which educational entities (pre-K–12 and two- and four-year colleges) may apply for funding. The bill would authorize $10 million annually for this program. Eligible entities such as states, local educational agencies, tribal schools, and institutions of higher education could use grant funding to:

• Ensure access to data science, data literacy, and statistics education for all students;

• Promote data science and literacy through professional development for teachers and developing learning material; and/or

• Use data science and literacy to catalyze increased access and improved equity in STEM.

“Data touches everything we do. Data education is integral to bolstering our global competitiveness, unlocking good-paying jobs, and fostering a well-informed society,” said Rep. Stevens. “As world leaders in technological advancement, it’s essential that we create programs that increase access to data science and literacy education so students from an early age can earn a well-rounded STEM education,” added Rep. Baird. Expanding on these remarks, Rep. Kim noted that “STEM education expands opportunities for students, grows our economy, strengthens our workforce across industries and boosts our nation’s global competitiveness.” And Rep. Beyer stated that “our bill would provide educators with the resources necessary to expand access to a quality data science education and prepare students for 21st century jobs.”

The AMS joins a chorus of organizations—including the American Statistical Association (ASA)—that support this legislation. “It’s essential all children leave high school able to live and work in a data-driven world,” said Donna LaLonde, ASA director of strategic initiatives and outreach. ASA Executive Director Ronald Wasserstein added that “the bill would expand access to STEM education and careers for communities of color and other underrepresented groups, including at two-year colleges and minority-serving institutions.”

There is a lot of momentum in Congress for supporting data science education activities, but this bill faces an uphill battle. In the House, this bill must first be marked up and passed by the Committee on Education and Workforce by simple majority. Meanwhile, the bill has not yet been introduced in the Senate. The AMS Office of Government Relations and ASA are actively advocating for this legislation in both chambers.

We need your help! You can ask your representative to support this legislation by visiting the AMS Take Action page.

Original source can be found here.