Quantitative Literacy for Social Justice

Abstract

In this article, we argue that many adults lack the “numeracy” needed to function in a maximally effective manner in their vocational, civic, and personal lives. We believe schools need to foster skills in quantitative literacy (QL), an inclination and ability to make reasoned decisions using general world knowledge and fundamental mathematics in authentic everyday circumstances. We explain how schools might begin to make inroads in preparing more quantitatively literate students and how this goal coincides with efforts toward greater social justice.