The Common Core math is just stupidly complex. I'm perfectly happy doing all manner of math. Arithmetic, algebra, differentials, integrals, eigenvalue decompositions. Trigonometric identities are critical in solving integral equations. The Common Core approach is aimed at making simple arithmetic look daunting.
Diagraming sentences was never my strong suit. It felt like math—which I wasn’t stellar at, either. But I knew good writing when I read and appreciated that proper engineering relies on a solid foundation of mathematics. But I thank God for the education I have and can’t imagine the nightmare kids are being put through now.
It’s like they’re trying to put all kids (rich, poor, sharp, dull, native, and immigrant) on the same abysmal level. Only the rich or connected kids are going to have the ability to make it through that. Which I’m sure is the goal.
It’s a damn shame that when Common Core was foisted on kids, that the ones passing the legislation weren’t required to master it and teach it to their peers before even being allowed to vote on it.