MHB Is Common Core Math Too Complex for Kids?

[mathdad]

Common Core is evil. Everything is about funding and exams. One of my nephews came home with a math question that my brother could not answer. My brother is an IT Specialist for Western Union. He knows math but not Common Core math.

Here is an example:

Add 20 + 30.

Old Fadhioned Method:

20 + 30 = 50

Common Core Method:

20 = 10 + 5 + (5/2) + (5/2)

30 = 15 + 7.5 + 7.5

20 + 30 = 10 + 5 + (5/2) + (5/2) + 15 + 7.5 + 7.5 = 50.

It is absolutely insane to put a child through such agony in third grade. What is your view of Common Core Math?

 

[HallsofIvy]

No, that is NOT "common core". As far as the example you give, either someone is mistaken or someone is pulling your leg. All "common core" means is that all school districts should teach the same basic courses. Do you think that whether or not algebra is offered in your school district should depend upon where you live?

 

[mathdad]

No, that is NOT "common core". As far as the example you give, either someone is mistaken or someone is pulling your leg. All "common core" means is th6at all school districts should teach the same basic courses. Do you think that whether or not algebra is offered in your school district should depend upon where you live?

1. My brother has no reason to lie to me.

2. The 20 + 30 question is from a Common Core third grade math book.

3. Anyone can learn algebra if taught correctly. Ever seen Stand and Deliver? High school teacher Jaime Escalante took a bunch of illerates and taught them AP Calculus. The Board of Education people thought they cheated much to the embarrassment of the teacher. The students re-tested and passed the AP Calculus test with good scores. I am talking about ghetto students not knowing what a fraction is, really.

 

[Evgeny.Makarov]

Common Core Method:

20 = 10 + 5 + (5/2) + (5/2)

30 = 15 + 7.5 + 7.5

20 + 30 = 10 + 5 + (5/2) + (5/2) + 15 + 7.5 + 7.5 = 50.

Either this solution is sarcasm or it lacks the context that explains why 20 should be represented as a sum. It would be interesting to see some actual examples of problems that you or someone else think are bad. I tend to think that teaching methods can vary pretty widely and still be successful in teaching math.

 

[mathdad]

Either this solution is sarcasm or it lacks the context that explains why 20 should be represented as a sum. It would be interesting to see some actual examples of problems that you or someone else think are bad. I tend to think that teaching methods can vary pretty widely and still be successful in teaching math.

I disagree. Remember the saying KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID? This is why I like the Dummies Series: Word Problems for Dummies, Calculus for Dummies, Linear Algebra for Dummies, etc.