Key Findings:
- The majority of K-12 students in the U.S. are missing out on data science education, according to a report by Data Science 4 Everyone. This lack of education hampers their data literacy skills, which are increasingly important.
- Only about 277 schools in 104 districts provide data science courses. This means that merely 139,000 students are enrolled in these classes out of nearly 55 million students in the country.
- A recent analysis shows that students’ data literacy has declined since the pandemic. This decrease may be linked to fewer teachers offering data-focused courses.
Insights:
“Even though there’s a growing demand for data literacy, the K-12 education system in the U.S. is not keeping pace,” said Zarek Drozda, executive director of Data Science 4 Everyone.
Data science blends statistics, computer science, and math to uncover insights from data. Courses like Introduction to Data Science and Data Science Foundations are popping up in schools, and data practices can fit into various subjects.
For instance, science classes can use projects that involve collecting and analyzing data. Advanced Placement teachers might even introduce data science topics after the AP exams.
The job market for data scientists is booming, with a projected growth of 36% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data science skills are valuable beyond just data-focused roles; they can benefit any future career.
Currently, 29 states offer some form of data science education in K-12. Six states, including Oregon and California, have set standards for data science learning. Others are piloting courses or improving teacher training to enhance data literacy across the curriculum.
To expand data science education, there is a need for a clear roadmap outlining essential concepts for students. Data Science 4 Everyone is creating specific learning progressions to help guide this effort.
These progressions detail how students can deepen their understanding and skills over time. The organization plans to provide detailed grade-by-grade progressions, track where resources are most needed, and share useful materials like lesson plans and teaching videos.
