Reply to PSA MCPS math warning

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote]Is it really Common Core standards that are the problem or is it the way the standards are tested and taught?[/quote]

Its MCPS interpretation of Common Core that is way off. CA is based on common core but they have actual tests and still focus on computation. I believe that Mass also has common core. Common Core doesn't require computation to be thrown out the window or develop a home grown awful curriculum. Its a myth that Math 2.0 is the fault of 2.0. The math 2.0 disaster is the MCPS curriculum office. They created this shit show with Pearson.

The second and equally impactful problem that is unique to MCPS is the utter lack of rigorous testing. Everyone gets a P, all kids are passing, repeat something basic but never truly assess is all MCPS. MCPS wants the lower performing kids not to lose confidence by failing so they hide the fact that they are failing. They also want to drive more resources toward the lower performing students so not actually testing and teaching the kids with more aptitude gets hidden.

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I think it's a little of both.  MCPS has done a particularly bad job of creating a CC curriculum by pushing out 2.0 entirely in-house, without textbooks, etc.  But even though none of the CC standard are faulty individually, the level of lip service to deep understanding and other vague notions, give curriculum reformers license to run rough shod over anything that was done in the past.  So it's not surprising that there are the same complaints from FCPS and other school districts and it's the exceptions that have made things better.

I just take issue with the concepts like algebraic thinking.  I gather algebraic thinking is when a student can turn around a problem in their head and get the right answer.  But I'd argue algebra begins when the student can force that thinking into an abstract problem and explain it symbolically, even though it's easier to just solve in their head.  This is pedantic, but it's actually a huge step for kids and it takes practice and quite a bit of convincing.  At least that's been the hurdle I've seen with my kids and I did not find the curriculum at all supportive.  [/quote]

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