I was inspired, as I imagine many of you were, by the total solar eclipse last week. I was lucky enough to experience it from my front yard with my neighbors in Austin, which was on the path of totality. It would be an understatement to say we were captivated. I was not only fascinated by the experience of seeing the eclipse but also by the data that was produced around the eclipse. This awe-inspiring celestial event that mesmerized the imagination of people around the world also produced a huge amount of data that we can explore and better appreciate what was happening at that time, as well as consider future implications for other events. 

The eclipse generated data for scientific purposes that will provide invaluable insights into the workings of our solar system. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captures stunning imagery of solar eclipses, shedding light on the intricate dance between the Sun, the Moon, and Earth's atmosphere. These observations not only deepen our understanding of astrophysical phenomena but also fuel groundbreaking research in fields such as solar physics and planetary science. 

However, the impact of an eclipse extends beyond strictly scientific inquiry to affect the day-to-day world in unexpected ways. Consider, for instance, the surge in short-term rentals along the path of totality. Data collected by Airbnb reveals a significant uptick in occupancy rates and rental prices as curious eclipse watchers flocked to prime viewing locations. A study mapping rental occupancy along the path of a recent eclipse showcased how the astronomical event impacted local economies, drove tourism and economic activity in regions along the path of the eclipse. Such data also provides insights into the cultural significance of this event and helps to tell the story of the mindsets and behaviors of our society. 

As leaders in mathematics education, do we appreciate the transformative potential of data-driven insights to build mathematical knowledge and curiosity? Are we working to equip students with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age? We have a responsibility to champion data literacy in our teaching and learning as an essential element of modern mathematics education. We can leverage data literacy to foster a culture of inquiry where curiosity is celebrated, and questions are welcomed as pathways to discovery. 

Anyone can analyze and get insights from data. Data can be considered from multiple perspectives and presented in innovative ways to produce new understandings of our world. Jennifer Shin, former lecturer at UC Berkeley and Founder of 8 Path Solutions, a data science, analytics, and technology company, once said, “I don’t want to necessarily be a data scientist. You just kind of are a data scientist. You just can’t help but look at that data set and go, ‘I feel like I need to look deeper.'”

I hope this sentiment resonates with you as educators and leaders, with other teachers and with students! Data literacy transcends job titles and disciplinary boundaries. Data literacy is a mindset characterized by the pursuit of understanding what happens in the world around us so that we better comprehend what is happening and can make more informed choices.

As mathematics education leaders, we have the opportunity to empower teachers and students to harness the power of available data to motivate students to learn and grow their identities and skills as thinkers. At its core, data literacy is about mathematical and statistical reasoning leveraged to make educated decisions, challenge assumptions, and drive positive change. 

How are you and the educators in your school helping to connect students to the quickly evolving landscape of data and technology? How are you developing curiosity in students to better understanding and navigate this modern world full of information? Consider how to utilize data regularly to build curiosity and relevance in our teaching and learning!  

Leverage the opportunities that arise, like the solar eclipse, to unlock the potential of data as an interesting entry point into exploring our world using mathematical and statistical thinking and for building engagement in mathematics education. 

— Katey Arrington, NCSM President

Resources: 

https://workflowstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/theworldofdataasweknowit.png, https://datainnovation.org/2024/04/mapping-airbnb-occupancy-along-the-eclipse-path/, https://explodingtopics.com/blog/data-generated-per-day

Conference Keynotes Announced!

We're excited to share our Keynote Speakers for the NCSM Annual Conference, taking place Sept. 23-25, 2024, in Chicago!

Denise Forte is our Opening Keynote. She is CEO at The Education Trust, a national advocacy organization often described as “the most important truth teller” in American public education.

As one of the country’s leading voices on education equity, Denise is on the forefront of engaging policymakers and diverse coalitions of advocates to advance progressive state and federal education legislation on behalf of students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

Brian Butler is our Closing Speaker. He is the author of Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education.

Brian is an education consultant who has worked with thousands of schools throughout the United States, Australia, and Canada. A retired principal who also has experience as a physical education teacher, school counselor, and assistant principal, Brian has a deep understanding of school community dynamics and successful models. Under his leadership as principal, Mason Crest Elementary School in Annandale, VA received the first annual DuFour Award in 2016. The honor, named for Professional Learning Communities at Work process’s architect Richard DuFour, is the highest award that a PLC at Work school can earn.

Make sure you're registered for the conference, as you won't want to miss these incredible speakers! We'll be announcing the rest of our lineup over the coming months.

Call for Manuscripts!