Math isn't about math anymore. It's about Bill and Fred, who are on a train, traveling west at 50 mph to meet their two kids, who are traveling east in another train...
Math is still math for most of us homeschoolers.
Take a look at a homeschool curriculum, some time.
“Take a look at a homeschool curriculum, some time.”
I guess this is where it breaks down for me...I would feel compelled to use many of the same books used in the local schools - just so my kids could speak the same ‘language’ as the other kids and professors in college. Using a homeschool curriculum might prepare them well for life...but not for college. Sad but true.
And to your original point - the difference in today’s math class goes alot deeper than over-use of word problems (or the interjection of social issues in the word problem). Its hard to explain, but its a completely different language.
I would suggest the reverse - take a gander at a middle school math curriculum, some time. I think you will be surprised at how few of the terms have any familiarity to you.