Distribution Division: Making It Possible For More Students to Make Reasoned Decisions Using Data

The Roundtable theme selected by the International Association for Statistical Education (IASE) organizing committee (2004) focuses on the ability to make “reasoned decisions based on sound statistical thinking.” This string of words rolls easily off one’s tongue; as an outcome, however, it remains elusive. This paper examines the journey taken by one school, from 1997 to 2004, in an effort to empower its students to make reasoned decisions based on sound statistical thinking. It outlines the background reasons for the journey, and presents a general description and some critical commentary on some of the learning experiences used. The last twelve months of the journey are addressed in some detail. Six phases of teaching and learning that may assist in realizing the goal of reasoned decision- making based on sound statistical thinking are discussed. Complementing these phases is a preliminary approach to data analysis called "distribution division". The effects of this approach on the middle school curriculum are also discussed.