Enhancing Undergraduate Statistics: Opportunities and Options
Richard L. Scheaffer
University of Florida
With the increased emphasis on statistics in the K-12 curriculum, the strong interest in the AP Statistics program, and the increased need for statistics in a wide range of occupations, the American Statistical Association, in conjunction with other statistical societies, is developing a program to enhance undergraduate education in statistics. The program seeks to leverage the positive movement of statistics education towards more lively and meaningful learning so as to produce college graduates with strong statistics backgrounds who will then have available to them exciting jobs in business, industry, or government, at competitive salaries, and with opportunities for advancement. Graduate work in statistics or a related field will be another attractive option for students with strong statistics backgrounds.
Biographical Sketch
Richard L.
Scheaffer
Department of Statistics
University of Florida
Currently the Past-President of the American Statistical Association, Professor Scheaffer received his Ph.D. in statistics from Florida State University, whereupon he joined the faculty of the University of Florida and has remained on that faculty ever since. Now Professor Emeritus of Statistics, he was chairman of the Department for a period of 12 years. Research interests are in the areas of sampling and applied probability, especially with regard to applications of both to industrial processes. He has published numerous papers in the statistical literature and is co-author of four college-level textbooks covering aspects of sampling, probability and mathematical statistics. n recent years, much of his effort has been directed toward statistics education throughout the school and college curriculum. He was one of the developers of the Quantitative Literacy Project in the United States that formed the basis of the data analysis emphasis in the mathematics curriculum standards recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He continues to work on educational projects at the elementary, secondary and college levels, and served as the Chief Faculty Consultant for the Advanced Placement Statistics Program during its developmental period in 1997 and 1998. Dr. Scheaffer is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, from whom he has received a Founder's Award.