Dolly McGrath: Common Core math has little value for students
Common Core math is on very shaky ground. First, let me say that there is nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. It has its uses when concepts of a particular subject are ingrained and understood. Teaching for over 20 years has shown me that methods come and go and often fall by the wayside. I believe that Common Core math will fall by the wayside eventually.
After speaking with several parents of elementary students, it seems children who did well in math are now struggling in Common Core and their grades are dropping. On the other hand, those who were struggling before Common Core are doing better. This sent a red flag up in my teacher brain.
So, I asked a few administrators what exactly did teaching math by Common Core methods do for the future education of our students. Their answers did not surprise me. I was told it would not help them in college math or with SAT/ACT tests. What! How can it be that so much time and money is being used for something that is more or less useless?
Parents, you have more power than anyone. At present your children are not being educated! Do something!
Dolly McGrath, Modesto
This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Dolly McGrath: Common Core math has little value for students."