I've always been a firm traditionalist when it comes to teaching math. But a couple weeks ago, I asked an acquaintance [2nd grade teacher for some 20 years] what she thought of the so-called Common Core Math and was surprised by her response.
She raved about it. She can't believe the ease with which her students now manipulate large numbers. She also says it is more work for her but insists it's worth it. And, I suspect, that with her background, she is able to plug "holes" where the curriculum may be weak.
This is no air-head fresh out of ed school; and I've had to re-open my mind. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm listening.
I think the problem with CC is the top down ‘edict from on high’ manner it is being forced on the schools. I’m sure parts of it are good, and I’m sure parts of it are bad...and schools/teachers aren’t allowed to pick and choose the best parts. Rather, they have to swallow it all - sort of like bundled cable.
And I’m sure that there is a lot of social engineering going on with the social studies and history courses. I couldn’t imagine leftists keeping their hands off of an opportunity like that.
So, I am a fan of CC math...but not a fan of the entire package that is CC.
Whole heartedly agree. Unfortunately, I think OUR math skills are of such poor quality that most of us railing at Common Core just don't understand "why" it's better.
As I said before, many folks step off the math train after arithmetics.