[fatnotlazy]

When I was in the 7th grade, the school introduced “Modern Math.” It was supposedly designed to prepare students for algebra, geometry and other forms of higher math. Now I was a marginal math student, but after a term of this “Modern Math,” I was hopelessly lost. Even the teacher seemed to not fully understand it.

Eventually, the school abandoned Modern Math, but the damage was done. Never did go to college. Couldn't do the math. It even wrecked what little skill I had in basic arithmetic.

I've seen demonstrations of solving arithmetic problems using Common Core. It is the most convoluted and totally asinine way of making calculations. What will happen to these kids if they are forced to do math this way? They won't even be able to make change as cashiers in a McDonald's.

[Scrambler Bob]

They won’t even be able to make change as cashiers in a McDonald’s. —

Don’t have to, register does the subtraction.

Soon robots will make the burgers.

You ought to see how fast a robot does CC Math!

[ClearCase_guy]

Math is one of those subjects which doesn't actually change. If educators could find a way to teach most kids, then their job would be basically done. Just teach that way. Every year. To every class. If a small number of kids just "didn't get" that basic way, then they could be taken out and given some sort of different lesson.

And, in fact, educators did know how to teach math -- back before WWII. But educators got bored teaching the same way year after year, and they felt a need to mix it up and blaze new trails. It has not worked out well for the kids.

Reading is the same way. Phonics will get 80-90% of the kids reading as well as anyone could wish. But educators decided that Phonics was bad. So they went to "Whole Language" and other awful stuff. Now, perhaps 40% of the kids read well. Great Success!!

[hsmomx3]

I’ve recently seen kids use their cell phones and ask Google a question and the answer appears on the phone screen!!