Understanding Numeracy

Numeracy

Lifelong confidence with Mathematics

Framework for Action 2007 – 2010

Why Numeracy?

John Bynner and Samantha Parsons

People without numeracy skills suffered worse disadvantage in

employment than those with poor literacy skills.

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had less chance of being employed

Men with poor numeracy, irrespective of their standard of

literacy:

Men with poor numeracy, irrespective of their standard of

literacy:

had less chance of being in a company

pension scheme

were more at risk of depression

Men with poor numeracy, irrespective of their standard of

literacy:

Men with poor numeracy, irrespective of their standard of

literacy:

have little interest in politics

Men with poor numeracy, irrespective of their standard of

literacy:

were more likely to have been suspended from

school, or arrested and cautioned

By the police.

Women with poor numeracy, irrespective

of their standard of literacy:

less likely to be in full-time work (regardless of how

many children they had)

Women with poor numeracy, irrespective

of their standard of literacy:

if in work, more likely to be in semi-skilled or

unskilled jobs

Women with poor numeracy, irrespective

of their standard of literacy:

less likely to have interest in politics, or

to vote

Women with poor numeracy, irrespective

of their standard of literacy:

more likely to report poor physical health

Women with poor numeracy, irrespective

of their standard of literacy:

more likely to be in a non-working household

Women with poor numeracy, irrespective

of their standard of literacy:

more likely to have low

self-esteem and a feeling they lacked

control over their lives

while the impact of low literacy and low numeracy skills is

substantial, low numeracy has the greater negative effect, even when it is

combined with competent literacy.

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The definition…

To be numerate is to use mathematics effectively to meet the general demands of life at home, in paid work, and for participation in community and civic life.

In school education, numeracy is a fundamental component of learning … across all areas of the curriculum.

Mathematics ≠ Numeracy

Numeracy = Everyone's Business

You are already doing it !!

Numeracy is embedded in

specific contexts and has real world

purpose.

What next?

Numeracy = Everyone's Business