Common Core Math -Elementary Schools (Houston, Dallas: teaching, area, roach)

[Kay10]

Hello all! We moved to the Cypress area in December. The district here teaches Common Core Math. Is this the norm for Houston? Are there other districts that do not? We came from a district in Dallas who didn't use this style of teaching. I'm just wanting to see if we have other options than private school. Thanks!

[MumHouston]

I am going to assume that your experience with Common Core Math is based on ridiculous examples found on facebook. Common Core based math requires critical thought and logic to complete math problems. Young children are gradually introduced to algebraic concepts and higher order operational skills to ensure that they are armed with the tools to succeed in math at all levels. My child attends a top tier private school, and the math program is based on Common Core Skills. Quite a few of the better private schools use math programs that are not labeled common core, but require the same level of thought.

Singapore Math which is a top math program world wide is used as a model for Common Core.

If you are afraid of your child being challenged in the classroom, then you should avoid schools which use common core.

Anyway to answer your question, as of last year Texas Public Schools did not use Common Core, instead they rely on TEKS.


Click the link below for ACTUAL sample CC math problems.
Old Standards v. Common Core: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Math Expectations - Foundation for Excellence in Education

[fnh]

I too thought the OP must mean Singapore Math which is a style of math instruction, whereas Common Core is a set of standards children are expected to master. The Common Core standards are higher than what Texas requires of its students so this would be a good thing, in my view.

My kids' private school also uses Singapore Math. I did a lot of high level math myself and I like the approach even if it does sometimes make it harder for me to help them since we work problems differently.

[naadarien]

Nothing wrong with Common Core except in its varied implementation.

Do the research and see how your district implements it. Some ISDs are better at it than others. If yours is good, your kid should be fine. I haven't read anything about other Cypress parents being up in arms about Common Core. You might want to talk to neighbors. Just a thought.

[SuperPollito]

Common core in general appears to verbally formalize some of the abstract math concepts you already do in your head without realizing it. The problem is when some curriculum writers take that to the extreme and you wind up with the ridiculous problems you see on Facebook. It's really going to depend more on the value of the individual curriculum rather than common core in general.

[xiabelle]

Originally Posted by SuperPollito

Common core in general appears to verbally formalize some of the abstract math concepts you already do in your head without realizing it. The problem is when some curriculum writers take that to the extreme and you wind up with the ridiculous problems you see on Facebook. It's really going to depend more on the value of the individual curriculum rather than common core in general.

Yes.

I've seen a few examples where people are freaking out, but when I think about it, it's exactly how I do math quickly in my head.

It's a new way of thinking, but I think understanding the concepts behind it is so very important.

[ClevelanderinNC]

I was skeptical until I saw my 3rd grader to long multiplication easily and quickly in his head. He even taught it to me! I am now a fan!