Hi Louise

Yes, current versions of spell-check reject the word numeracy, even though 
its usage is becoming more common. When we used it in our papers, we 
generally meant adult numeracy. Early childhood numeracy* is different 
because numeracy does depend upon context - and age can be thought of as a 
contextual  and a cognitive factor. The math appropriate for a 3-year old 
to learn, understand, and be able to do is different for an adult. On the 
other hand, all age groups are included when being numerate is defined as 
having `the ability and inclination to use mathematics effectively in our 
lives--at home, at work, and in the community' (New Zealand Ministry of 
Education, 2001). 

As far as far as the relationship among mathematics, literacy, and 
numeracy, some  use a Venn diagram to illustrate numeracy as the 
intersection of mathematics and literacy - that might be a better analogy 
than a bridge between math and literacy. In fact, we see the term 
"mathematical literacy" to be synonymous with numeracy.

* An aside, as we meant to focus on adult numeracy during this discussion: 
 There is a rich body of research on early numeracy development, even in 
infants. I am fascinated by studies that have shown 6-month olds to be 
aware of subtraction errors (as evidenced by extended gaze), or the idea 
that babies can subitize, (recognize small quantities without counting) . 
Australia and New Zealand have early numeracy educational initiatives that 
are very interesting. I think Dave Tout and I stand corrected on the K-12 
designation for "school math before reaching adulthood."  Even though many 
of the documents we referred to focused on K-12, we could have included 
pre-K. 

Take care, 
Mary Jane


Mary Jane Schmitt
TERC
2067 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA  02140
mary_jane_schmitt at terc.edu
www.adultnumeracy at terc.edu




Louise Wiener <lwiener at llfinc.org> 
Sent by: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov
09/17/07 10:02 PM
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[SpecialTopics 663] Re: International Discussion Ends and       Numeracy 
Discussion Begins






Dear David,

I found the Tout and Schmitt chapter particularly invigorating and 
challenging and hope Dr. Schmitt might comment on two thoughts for 
starters. 

I was surprised at the frequent reference to K-12 with almost no reference 
to pre-K.  I first became familiar with the term numeracy in the context 
of Head Start standards. Is there research on numeracy in the early 
childhood field – or has the name alone been adopted?

I was struck, too, by the reference to numeracy as the bridge between 
mathematics and the real world. I see it  equally as the bridge between 
mathematics and literacy because  it captures (builds on?) the language 
and concepts of math as contrasted with the pure computation of math.

You will note that at least my spell-check rejects “numeracy” as a valid 
word.  Perhaps we should start by lobbying there!

Thank you, Louise 
-- 
Louise W. Wiener, Chairman of the Board
    Learning and Leadership in Families
    2701 12th Street NE
    Washington, DC 20018

    Mobile Phone: 301-213-6516
    Office Phone: 202-243-7783
    Website: www.LLFinc.org
    Email: lwiener at LLFinc.org

    United Way / CFC # 8981


  On 9/15/07 8:10 AM, "David J. Rosen" <djrosen at comcast.net> wrote:

Special Topics Colleagues,

I want to thank our guests for the topic:  What International Literacy 
Programs Offer Programs in the U.S. : Brenda Bell, Pamela Civins, Dr. John 
Comings, Barbara Garner, Dr. Erik Jacobson, Juliet Merrifield, and Dr. 
Ujwala Samant. I know we have only scratched the surfaces of several 
issues here in this one short week, but the discussion has been 
tantalizing.  I also want to thank Oxfam for making the book Developing 
Adult Literacy: Approaches to planning, implementing and delivering 
literacy initiatives by Juliet Merrifield Juliet McCaffrey, and Juliet 
Millican available by download free for this discussion. It will be 
available in hard copy on September 30, 2007.

This marks the end of the international literacy discussion, for now at 
least. 

On Monday we will begin a new discussion on The Components of Numeracy
 with Mary Jane Schmitt, Myrna Manly and Dr. Lynda Ginsburg, an occasional 
paper published by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning 
and Literacy.

For more information, and a short list of readings to prepare for the 
discussion please go to:

http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/discussions/specialtopics/07numeracy.html

or the short Web address:

http://tinyurl.com/yvo6hf

Please e-mail your questions for our numeracy guest experts 
to specialtopics at nifl.gov

Your colleagues who may wish to join this discussion can subscribe 
by going to:

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After they complete a simple registration form (30 seconds) they 
will receive an email asking them to confirm that they wish to 
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Web address, or stay on for the next discussion.

David J. Rosen
Special Topics Discussion Moderator
djrosen at comcast.net


 


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