How Common Core Math Standards Change the Game

In this Elementary School Journal article, Shannon Dingman (University of Arkansas), Dawn Teuscher (Brigham Young University), Jill Newton (Purdue University), and Lisa Kasmer (Grand Valley State University) compare the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with previous state standards. Their analysis highlights four shifts:

• Changes in grade levels – For example, multiplication and division of basic facts and fraction computation move to earlier grades than had been the case in most states (multiplication of fractions is at grade 5 in the Common Core). On the other hand, multiplication and division of whole numbers move to higher grades, as well as formulating statistical questions and probability. 

• Changes in the number of grade levels in which topics appear – For example, addition and subtraction with whole numbers are now spread through five grade levels (compared with three in most states’ previous standards), and division of whole numbers spans four grade levels in the Common Core, up from an average of two before. Conversely, addition and subtraction of fractions spans only two grade levels (down from three or more levels in most states), and probability is limited to grade 7.

• Increases and decreases in emphasis of particular topics – Algebra gets more emphasis in Common Core in grades 6-8, where there are twice the number of algebra standards as in grades K-5. Several other topics get more emphasis in Common Core, including working with mathematical properties, relationships between operations, analyzing data, and illustrating awareness of an object’s attributes. Conversely, use of non-standard units and tools have less emphasis in Common Core.

• Changes in the nature and level of reasoning expected – For example, in geometry, Common Core calls for a greater emphasis on level 3 van Hiele geometric thinking and less emphasis on level 1 van Hiele thinking, and there are more standards that require students to evaluate statistical processes. Conversely, there is less emphasis in Common Core on reasoning for verification.

“Common Mathematics Standards in the United States: A Comparison of K-8 State and Common Core Standards” by Shannon Dingman, Dawn Teuscher, Jill Newton, and Lisa Kasmer in Elementary School Journal, June 2013 (Vol. 113, 34, p. 541-564), 

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From the Marshall Memo #491