Numeracy and Algebra: A Path to Full Participation in Community and Society?

Numeracy is the understanding of the meaning and interpretation of natural phenomena and is an important skill for full participation in society. Everyday there are numerous situations that require individuals to interpret quantitative information for personal decision making and understanding of significant public issues. However, the gap between individuals’ numeracy needs and their understanding of numeracy has widened. Thus, organizations and scholars have attempted to explain the value and nature of numeracy. This article discusses how and why numeracy is important for full participation in society.