The proposed requirement

Programs and organizations that claim conformance would address DAT.1 (Data Understanding) and DAT.2 (Data Collection and Management), at least at Foundation level, before or within the same module or course unit as the first learning activity on any Critical Evaluation (EVA) or Ethical Considerations (ETH) sub-competency. A program map showing this order is the evidence.

Why

The components of ALiF depend on each other, but not equally. Evaluating AI outputs without understanding the data behind them is checking without understanding. Governing AI ethically without that understanding is largely procedural. The current Standard describes data literacy as a foundation for the other components but leaves the order of teaching open. ALiF 2.0 would make this one dependency a requirement, while keeping the rest of the flexibility.

What it does not do

It does not require all of data literacy to be completed first. DAT.3 (Data Analysis) and DAT.4 (Data Visualization and Communication) can follow later, and programs can still choose their own order for the other components.

Status

This requirement is proposed for ALiF 2.0 and open for comment in the public consultation. Validation research will test whether the dependency holds as strongly as the requirement assumes.