Statistics as a Tool for Critical and Aware Citizenship

In today's world of constant data and information flow, statistical literacy is essential for citizens to engage actively and responsibly in public life. It goes beyond technical skills, serving as a critical tool for understanding social issues, assessing public policies, and interpreting official statistics that shape political and economic decisions globally. This article examines how statistics is taught in European high schools, focusing on teaching approaches that make statistical concepts accessible and meaningful to students. While statistics is introduced in middle school, high school plays a more decisive role in developing statistical thinking, as students at this level have greater cognitive maturity to grasp complex ideas and apply critical thinking. High school education also allows for stronger connections between statistics and real-world issues, deepening students' understanding of current events and societal challenges. The study investigates 300 schools, using a structured questionnaire to explore when and how statistics is introduced, available resources, teacher training, and assessment methods. Findings underscore the importance of teacher preparation and highlight the value of technological tools such as simulations, interactive apps, and software like Excel and GeoGebra for real-world data analysis.