Common Core Math – How to complicate adding 9 + 6
September 16, 2014
While Common Core math is making kids frustrated, it’s also driving parents and grandparents crazy. If you haven’t yet seen the video about the convoluted way of adding 9 + 6, please view it at the link below. The focus is on the the process, ostensibly to teach “higher order thinking skills”, but it causes confusion, not higher order thinking. See the NBC story.
This convoluted, “constructivist” way of doing math did not originate with the Common Core, however. Fuzzy math has been around for years. See the Washington State manual, “Teaching and Learning Mathematics” which shows on page 58, that believing that math is about finding the right answer is a mathematical myth. In the past, states and districts had more flexibility to use the the methodologies of their choice, and some states and districts continued to teach true math. However now the Common Core Standards along with the Common Core Assessments serve to embed this constructivist method into the curriculum for all participating states.
It’s up to you, parents and grandparents. If you want your student to truly understand math, YOU must teach them!
While Common Core math is making kids frustrated, it’s also driving parents and grandparents crazy. If you haven’t yet seen the video about the convoluted way of adding 9 + 6, please view it at the link below. The focus is on the the process, ostensibly to teach “higher order thinking skills”, but it causes confusion, not higher order thinking. See the NBC story.
This convoluted, “constructivist” way of doing math did not originate with the Common Core, however. Fuzzy math has been around for years. See the Washington State manual, “Teaching and Learning Mathematics” which shows on page 58, that believing that math is about finding the right answer is a mathematical myth. In the past, states and districts had more flexibility to use the the methodologies of their choice, and some states and districts continued to teach true math. However now the Common Core Standards along with the Common Core Assessments serve to embed this constructivist method into the curriculum for all participating states.
It’s up to you, parents and grandparents. If you want your student to truly understand math, YOU must teach them!