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The Coalition for Science Literacy (CSL) at the University of South Florida leads a collaborative effort of K-12 schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, universities, public agencies, and private businesses and industry in the Tampa Bay region. CSL focuses its efforts on this region of 3,000,000 people, 300,000 school children, and 100,000 college students.
Objectives
 The Coalition for Science Literacy is committed to enhancing science and mathematics literacy of all citizens. Literacy requires understanding of the thought processes, knowledge base, and the importance of science and mathematics to everyday issues and the region's, state’s and America’s international economic competitiveness. The initiative is based on the premise that all people can learn and use science and mathematics. The Coalition works to
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help people function better in their personal lives and on the job, by developing their knowledge and skills to analyze and solve problems in all areas related to science and mathematics;
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enhance the qualifications of the Bay area's work force and help attract high-value-added businesses and industry to our community;
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spark enthusiasm for the study of science and mathematics;
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encourage education that turns individuals into life-long explorers of the world around us;
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draw into the study of science and mathematics those groups normally under-represented in this field; and
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make the learning of science and mathematics enjoyable, meaningful and relevant by emphasizing hands-on, minds-on, problem solving, and inquiry-based perspectives using real and understandable issues and situations in today's world.
Scope of Activities
CSL believes that a comprehensive approach to improving science and mathematics literacy requires substantial effort in five major areas:
Schools and Colleges - Improve and enhance the extent of science and mathematics learning in the formal schooling process, from pre-kindergarten through general science and mathematics requirements at the college level. This includes preparation in science and mathematics of all teachers, especially elementary and middle school teachers.
General Population - Increase the science and mathematics literacy of people not currently in formal schooling programs.
Informal Science - Involve informal science education organizations such as science museums, zoos and environmental programs.
Under-represented Groups - Increase the participation of women and minorities in science and mathematics learning. While these groups will constitute over three-fourths of the work force by 2010, they are traditionally under-represented in the science, mathematics, and technical professions and less oriented towards science and mathematics in school.
Public Understanding and Support - Improve the knowledge of the exciting, revolutionary change in education and especially in science and mathematics education. Understanding and support from parents, businesses, and civic leaders are critically necessary to maintain and support momentum, to encourage the change, and to reduce the negative publicity that is often caused by lack of knowledge or ad-hoc sensationalism.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Research - Analyze the effects of programs and the relevance to improved science and mathematics literacy. The cycle of assessment followed by responsive program adjustment and further evaluation constitutes an important form of relevant research. This process is critical to developing, implementing and maintaining effective science and mathematics literacy programs.
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