Is Common Core math another bad idea, like New Math fiasco?
Re: “A common frustration: Parents, forget what you know about math — Common Core is ‘absolutely insane’,” (Page A1, June 17):
This article shows that parents, students and — I dare say — teachers are frustrated with Common Core math.
In my opinion, a first-, second- or third-grader does not need critical thinking in math, but he or she does need to know math basics to move forward. It reminds me of New Math, a brief, dramatic change in the way mathematics was taught in American grade schools in the 1960s. After years, it was found that New Math didn’t work and schools went back to the basics. But an educator probably became wealthy by selling the New Math concept, as will the educator who determined we need Common Core math, I would guess.
One parent quoted in the article said, “…there is nothing we can do about it. It is what it is.”
No. If you do not agree with how your kids are being taught, scream and shout it from rooftops, take action with the state. This is your child’s education.