As new teachers, we need to be ready for the implementation of the Common Core Standards, which will replace the California Content Standards. Being ready for this means knowing how these standards are similar and how they differ. One way in which they differ is that the Common Core Standards are more succinct, but aim for more depth.
For example, in the CA Standards for 8th grade algebra, six separate standards focus on various ways to solve and use quadratic equations. This was reflected in an Algebra class that I tutored in, as months were spent focusing strictly on factoring, solving and graphing these types of equations. In contrast, the new Common Core Standards do not even mention the word "quadratic". Here, the emphasis is heavy on functions: what they are, how they are used, how to build them, how to visualize them, etc.
In my opinion, this is much more important for building the students' mathematical understanding. Using functions to understand relationships, model reality and make predictions is one of the most applicable components of mathematics to all other areas of study and life. While many students do not re-visit factoring quadratic equations by hand in higher mathematics, knowing how to recognize, build or analyze a function is a valuable skill in calculus, engineering and other sciences.
In this way, the Common Core Standards focus on the "forest" of mathematics, teaching students how to think and reason mathematically, where the CA Standards focus on the "trees", algorithms, techniques and formulas. Because I think a higher emphasis on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills will prepare students better for college, careers and daily life, I am excited for the transition into the Common Core Standards.
Find my breakdown of the how the standards intersect here.
For example, in the CA Standards for 8th grade algebra, six separate standards focus on various ways to solve and use quadratic equations. This was reflected in an Algebra class that I tutored in, as months were spent focusing strictly on factoring, solving and graphing these types of equations. In contrast, the new Common Core Standards do not even mention the word "quadratic". Here, the emphasis is heavy on functions: what they are, how they are used, how to build them, how to visualize them, etc.
In my opinion, this is much more important for building the students' mathematical understanding. Using functions to understand relationships, model reality and make predictions is one of the most applicable components of mathematics to all other areas of study and life. While many students do not re-visit factoring quadratic equations by hand in higher mathematics, knowing how to recognize, build or analyze a function is a valuable skill in calculus, engineering and other sciences.
In this way, the Common Core Standards focus on the "forest" of mathematics, teaching students how to think and reason mathematically, where the CA Standards focus on the "trees", algorithms, techniques and formulas. Because I think a higher emphasis on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills will prepare students better for college, careers and daily life, I am excited for the transition into the Common Core Standards.
Find my breakdown of the how the standards intersect here.
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