Common Core math doesn't mean throwing out the baby with the bathwater

Math. Love it or hate it, it’s essential for success in schooling and in life. As states, districts, and schools continue to implement the Common Core State Standards, helping students “think like mathematicians”—to explain and justify their thinking and apply their learning to new situations—can be a challenge for teachers. But as I wrote in a recent ASCD Express column, implementing the Common Core State Standards in math doesn’t require a complete rework of your instructional strategies. Rather, using time-tested instructional strategies in conjunction with a focused approach to the Common Core can smooth the path to implementation.

Common Core Standards for High School Mathematics: A Quick-Start Guide (Schwols & Dempsey, 2012) provides three recommendations for beginning implementation of the Common Core math standards: focus on the standards for mathematical practice, focus on critical areas, and focus on connections. For more on how to integrate research-based instructional practices with these Common-Core-specific strategies, check out the full ASCD Express column here. 

Written by McREL Lead Consultant Kirsten Miller.

 

Comments

[Niole M]

There needs to be a paradigm shift for the teachers to be able to make these mathematical connections for our students. Let's face it, most people aren't "math" minded...they don't naturally make connections between mathematical concepts or get excited to find the "pattern" in a set of numbers. They were taught an algorithm, and they got the job done. Common core will ask us the "why" before the "how." What I find most troubling is the lack of understanding or apparent unawareness of the 8 mathematical practices required of common core. They are deep and hold students to an impressive depth of knowledge. In my opinion, the focus should shift more towards these mathematical practices and less on the common core standards themselves...if we really want to impact student achievement!

[Ashley]

I am excited that there is more of a nation-wide system of standards. When I was young, I moved around a lot. There seemed to be some gaps in what I knew compared to other students in my classes. I usually felt like I wasn't very smart just because I was missing some skills. I am happy that the Common Core should lessen those gaps among students who move from school to school.