Strategic Plan

(Revised December 11, 2024)

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Vision: A world that relies on data and statistical thinking to drive discovery and inform decisions

Mission: Promoting the practice and profession of statistics

Theme: Enhancing the Diversity and Breadth of our Association

Membership Retention and Growth

Professional Development

Publications

Theme: Increasing the Visibility of our Profession

Public Awareness

Objectives:

Identify important, influential audiences to hear and absorb the message that statistics and data science have high impact on science, business, industry, and government and that it is a foundation for innovation.
Communicate the value and relevance of statistics to science and society.
Communicate the value and relevance of statistics at all levels of education.
Communicate ASA core values of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility and the ethical guidelines under which we work.

Strategies/Tactics:

Revise and reinvigorate the This is Statistics campaign using video and audio content to emphasize the impact of statistics and data science and ensure the campaign is recognized as an ASA initiative.
Develop at least one high quality marketing video explaining explain who “we” are. “We” are statisticians, we are data scientists, we are educators, we ARE the ASA. The video will act as an introduction to ASA programs and why being part of the ASA community is important.
Develop TedX event(s) to celebrate the accomplishments of the statistics and data science community and to inspire young people to choose educational paths that will allow them to continue this work.
Follow up and follow through on the recommendations of the Antiracism Task Force, especially those regarding communications.
Further develop SciLine connection to improve impact on reporting involving statistics/data science
Continue the migration of “stats check” to StatLine.
Grow the Impact Webinar series, looking to reach a broader audience.
Develop the Leadership Institute Ideas Forum
Grow and better publicize existing podcasts, especially Stats+Stories, and consider the development of additional podcasts for different audiences.
Expand the role of the Public Lecture. For JSM, expand the reach of the public lecture by increasing publicity for the lecture in the venue city and to make it available live online (and for viewing on YouTube afterward). Plan to add a public lecture to other ASA meetings.

Visibility and Impact in Public Policy Making

Theme: Ensuring the Future of our Profession

Education

Objectives:

Advance Statistical Education: Enhance the quality of education in the statistical sciences, which includes theoretical and applied statistics and data science, at all levels, from preK- 12 to postgraduate.
Curriculum Development: Facilitate the development and dissemination of innovative curricula in the statistical sciences that align with evolving industry and research demands.
Support for Educators: Provide professional development opportunities, mentoring, and recognition for educators in the statistical sciences to continually improve teaching and learning.
Equity: Promote opportunities within the statistical sciences, with a focus on increasing participation and representation of underrepresented groups among students, educators, and practitioners.
Ethical Considerations: Promote the understanding that statistical literacy extends beyond technical competence in statistics, data science, and AI disciplines, and emphasize ethical implications, such as fairness, transparency, and privacy.
Advocacy for Broad Impact: Advocate for the importance of the statistical sciences in the broader education system and encourage the inclusion of statistics as an important component of curricula in other disciplines.
Promote Data Science Skills: Demonstrate the importance of data science as an interdisciplinary field and work to ensure statistical concepts and skills are central to data science education.
Integration of Statistics and AI: Support an understanding of statistical concepts and methodologies within the context of artificial intelligence (AI) education.
Global Engagement: Extend the reach of ASA's educational initiatives internationally to contribute to global statistical capacity building.

Strategies/Tactics

Forge new partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations with organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and statistical agencies.
Make educational content accessible to a global audience through online learning.
Support accreditation efforts in the statistical sciences.
Enhance existing student competitions, e.g., ASA DataFest, Fall Data Challenge, etc. and develop new opportunities.
Develop proposals to obtain external funding to support educational initiatives.
Continue curriculum development, expand the reach of Statistics Teacher, and consider developing digital badging/credentialling programs to encourage and recognize teacher achievements.
Develop on-demand curricula (at all levels) and create an annual professional development calendar.
Hold regular engagements with key stakeholders in positions of influence in industry, government, and academe.
Leverage existing resources such as the Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education and the National Data Mine to further advance education and educational opportunities.
Collaborate with stakeholders from academe, industry, and government to create pathways for the inclusion of statistics as a key component of AI technologies and data science.

Organizational Leadership Development

Financial Status