Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) — Advancing what works in STEM education
In the Spotlight
May 16, 2012 - The National Numeracy Network: Community in Support of Quantitative Literacy
An In the Spotlight contribution by Nathan Grawe (Carleton College): In the last decade quantitative literacy has been recognized as a key element of a 21st century education. The ability to reason with and about quantitative evidence, to weave it into arguments, and evaluate its use in support of arguments made by others is critical to the personal, professional, and public lives of our students. Included in the AAC&U’s LEAP essential learning outcomes and many college's graduation requirements, the goal of quantitative literacy is being advanced throughout higher education. AAC&U has also developed a VALUE rubric for helping campuses measure quantitative reasoning skills of students. The National Numeracy Network (NNN) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting this initiative, and one of PKAL's partner organizations. The NNN website provides example assignments and syllabi, references to assessment tools, and much more. Through its listserv, members share teaching materials and ideas for transforming their campuses. In partnership with PKAL, the NNN has hosted several workshops and more are being planned for the future. We encourage every institution to support at least one member of the NNN.
Since its founding in 1989, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) has been one of the leading advocates in the United States for building and sustaining strong undergraduate programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With an extensive network of nearly 7,000 faculty members and administrators at over 1,000 colleges, universities and organizations, PKAL has developed far-reaching influence in shaping undergraduate STEM learning environments that attract and retain undergraduate students. For PKAL's current mission, vision, and goals statement, click here.
PKAL accomplishes its work by engaging campus faculty and leaders in funded projects, national and regional meetings, community-building activities, leadership development programs, and publications that are focused on advancing what works in STEM education. PKAL is now an ongoing unit within the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
