The assumption by most freepers is that common core simply dumbs down the curriculum. In math that is not the case. It actually introduces concepts at much earlier stages. The problem with this is that the curriculum does not build a proper foundation so that most students can fully understand the math processes these are using. Also, while proponents blather on and on about how the cc curriculum promotes and enhances critical thinking, it does the exact opposite. The lines of thinking and terminology used are quite rigid. If one does not think and problem solve using the “correct” method there is a problem. The outcome of all of this is that testing scores overall are going to decline even further. I suggest that those who are reading this article actually take some of the tests.
I know folks with kids who are at their wits’ end trying to learn elementary level arithmetic via common core curricula. Parents have no idea how common core works and teachers actively discourage them from trying to help their kids learn math using the old, tried-and-true ways.
If parents can’t look at a problem and show their kids how to solve it—especially if teachers discourage assistance—then then you have the ingredients for a education disaster in the making.
I wonder how many illegals learned common core before breaking the laws to enter the country. I’ll bet their employers don’t care.