Being a responsible citizen means having a working knowledge of how society functions.  Increasingly, our society is built upon the products of science, mathematics, and technology, and this will only become more pronounced in the future. A citizen without an understanding of the practices and applications of science, the power of mathematics, and the management of technology will be ill-equipped for participating in crucial society-wide decisions, such as how to preserve our planet’s natural resources and how to use the results of genetic testing.  Science, math, and technology-related issues will range from the universal to the deeply personal and impact people in every sector of society.  Thus all students must leave high school with a firm grounding in these subjects.  Anything less will leave them handicapped as they navigate the 21^st century world.

As you prepare to make the case to your community for an increased focus on science, mathematics, and technology programs, understanding and articulating this crucial responsibility will help you gain the support you need.

• What is the importance of SMT literacy in today’s world?
• How does educational climate impact SMT literacy?
• How do students as future citizens benefit from SMT literacy?
  

What is the importance of SMT literacy in today’s world?

• Alan Leshner, CEO of AAAS, discusses the nature and importance of SMT literacy. [VIDEO] 
• Barry Burke, of ITEA, defines technological literacy as the ability to use, manage, and understand technology [VIDEO].
• Jo Ellen Roseman of AAAS discusses why it is important for students to know things like where the mass of a tree comes from. [VIDEO]
• Joan Abdallah of AAAS discusses the benefits of science literacy [VIDEO].
• Edgar Hatrick, Superintendent of Loudoun County, VA, talks about the importance of SMT literacy to society as a whole. [VIDEO]
• A 2002 article from the Journal of the Federation of American Scientists discussing the importance of a SMT literate public.

How does educational climate impact SMT literacy?

• Rita Barger discusses the role of school boards in changing attitudes towards math. [VIDEO]
• One of many articles demonstrating a link between attitudes towards science and science achievement.
• Rita Barger of UMKC describes how beliefs about mathematics influence achievement. [VIDEO]
• An article on the importance of school science to the public understanding of science and citizenship.

How do students as future citizens benefit from SMT literacy?

•  A 2002 artcle from actionbioscience.org discussing three major benefits of science literacy.
• A 2003 report from the Canadian School of Mathematics Forum addressing the benefits of math literacy.
• A fact sheet from the International Technology Education Association explaining the importance of technology literacy.