Statistical Literacy Competencies as Post-modern Basic Civic Skills

Society needs today more than ever different skill levels in statistical literacy and use of statistics embedded with understanding of social phenomena. National Statistical Institutes and educational institutions must identify these so that statistical and societal thinking are understood as comprehensively as possible in different sectors of society. Statistics are one of the most important sources of reliable social information. For individual citizens important skills include the capabilities and skills to actively seek and apply for reliable statistical information, to identify their use and the ability to apply their data contents into practical use. Widely used concept statistical literacy is insufficient term to describe all aspects of these skills. In this paper, I review and analyze the statistical literacy competencies that are expected to be provided by education system to new generations. I also present four more detailed ways to describe the competencies and skills that should be taught to sovereign citizens. The art of reading statistics representing the ultimate level of statistical literacy competency.