WTH 3rd grade math!?!?
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Anonymous
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Anyone know how to answer this question:
How does testing solutions help you learn about unit fractions and equal areas? Um, I'm stumped, and my kid doesn't have a clue. Tried google, but couldn't find an answer. Given that homework doesn't count for diddly squat under 2.0, I'm not inclined to agonize over this. Nonetheless, I'm wondering if anyone actually knows the correct answer. I'm just a lawyer, so I'm I'll equipped to answer such a question. Perhaps an mcps teacher who understands the point of 2.0 math can shed some light. |
Anonymous
| Give us a sample question. |
Anonymous
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That IS the question. He has to write the answer in a complete sentence. The only other question on the worksheet is a large square that he had to divide into four equal parts and label (1/4 units). That's it. And that's why I'm stumped.
Anyone know the answer? Anyone know what "testing solutions" means? I'm guessing it's a fancy mcps 2.0 term of art. |
Anonymous
| I just read that to my brother who majored in math in college - he has no idea what that means. |
Anonymous
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"Testing an individual about any given topic -unit fractions, equal areas, flying pigs- helps said individual consolidate learning about those topics by activating and hereby strengthening the neural circuits supporting the mental representation and manipulation of said concepts and closely associated ones. Go flying pigs and testing solutions!" |
Anonymous
Since homework doesn't count, I just told him to restate the question and then write whatever he thinks it means 
I actually wonder if the teachers are so frustrated with 2.0 that they are just making stuff up for the homework worksheets (which are clearly typed up and thrown together since mcps hasn't provided them with appropriate resources for the new curriculum) so that parents will become so outraged and launch a mutiny against stupid 2.0. |
Anonymous
| I have noticed that a lot of questions are poorly worded in elementary school, too. I suspect it's because so many of them are copied now from books that are published in places like India. |
Anonymous
| There are no books or resources for third grade since its 2.0 is just being unrolled for third grade now. The teachers were given the concepts and they are scrambling to develop appropriate worksheets, etc. Sucks to have a third grader bc they have been guinea pigs each year as 2.0 has been slowly rolled out. |
Anonymous
| I would guess that "testing solutions" is math-speak for a strategy they must have been using in class. If he does not remember that phrase, he should ask the teacher. No need to indict 2.0 here necessarily. |
Anonymous
| Sorry, PP. But we've suffered with 2.0 for a few years now, and it's not fun. I have friends and family who work for mcps (classroom teachers and admin folks as well as union reps), and the consensus is that it stinks. Nonetheless, it's here to stay (they've invested a lot in it, and they are pinning their hopes on the prospect that it will help improve the data/scores for the segment of the student population that is currently struggling). Almost all of the worksheets that come home for math look like they were hastily typed up. And instead of focusing on traditional math concepts, they focus on new strategies that include umpteen steps that go against basic common sense. So please don't tell me not to complain about 2.0. We're in the throes of this mcps experiment which sadly appears to be a giant step back for mankind. |
Anonymous
| Could testing solutions mean pulling in numbers? Like how you check an algebra equation by pulling the answer back in... |
Anonymous
I'd be inclined to say that "testing solutions" means looking at fractions/equal areas and finding possible ways to solve the problem? Or help understand fractions and area? That's my take on it anyway. I'm in grad school, just spent a semester in regards to math intervention and the Common Core and I still don't have a full idea over what it means lol. My district isn't participating in 2.0, but I do know the Common Core places a strong emphasis on developing fluency and understanding in math i.e. coming up with solutions to solve problems and knowing why equations work. I would have your child mark it with a question that he didn't understand the problem so he can conference with his teacher about it (hopefully his teacher allows that). I'd imagine they must go over homework. |
Anonymous
| Nope, they don't go over homework in class. |
Anonymous
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Testing solutions refers to the Thinking or Academic Success Skill that is currently being taught in 3rd grade (in all subjects). They relate those critical thinking skills to every content area. There is no "right" answer-he needs to explain how testing multiple solutions while doing his work is helping him to learn the current math content.
Curriculum 2.0 is all about the infusion of these skills into academic content. I like that a lot. I work in MCPS and for the record to the OP and PPs, the previous curriculum did not provide homework either, that has always been up to the teachers to create based on their own students. There are lots of resources provided to teachers with this curriculum. It isn't scripted like the previous curriculum was, so there are less worksheets, but there are resources provided, so I disagree with the PPs. |
Anonymous
| Oh, and homework has not counted in elementary school for a long time....that is also not related to C2.0. (20:02 here) |