How would you answer this test question? From a 1st grade Common Core test.

[jeff47]

381. Part of common core was trying to deal with people like me.

I have dyscalculia. Think of it as dyslexia for math. Unfortunately for me, back when I was in school that term was not widely discussed. So I didn't hear about it until I had been out of school for about 20 years.

I just do not understand very simple math. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division just do not work well in my head. Partially due to the fact that people were trying to teach me via memorization, which works extremely poorly for people with dyscalculia. As a result, I was always in the remedial math class...until we reached the point where they allowed calculators. At which point I was promptly moved into the advanced and AP math classes.

Doing 13+5 in my head is quite difficult. Yet calculus is easy.

Common core attempts to teach basic math in a way that works for everyone, including people like me. The stuff in common core makes a whole lot more sense to me than the rote memorization or similar methods I was taught back in school. I've actually started using a few bits and pieces to make my everyday life a little easier, though I usually just rely on a calculator.

Is it the best solution for everyone? Probably not. Some students are going to learn better the "old fashioned way". Some are going to learn better this way. Common core takes out that flexibility in the mistaken belief that there is one good way to teach everyone.