The Discipline of Statistics Education1

No one will debate the fact that quantitative information is everywhere and numerical data are increasingly presented with the intention of adding credibility to advertisements, arguments, or advice. Most would also agree that being able to properly evaluate such evidence and data-based claims are important skills that all citizens should have, and therefore, that all students should learn as part of their education. It is not surprising therefore that statistics instruction at all educational levels is gaining more students and drawing more attention. The study of statistics provides students with tools and ideas to use in order to react intelligently to quantitative information in the world around them. Reflecting this need to improve students ’ ability to think statistically, statistics and statistical reasoning are becoming part of the mainstream school curriculum in many countries. For example, more statistical content is being mandated in the K–12 mathematics curriculu