The idea of Common Core makes sense. It’s the implementation that is so flawed. For example, most teachers are ill-prepared to change from teaching a single algorithm for addition to teaching how numbers work.

So they rely upon textbook companies to provide them with multiple algorithms. So now instead of the student understanding how numbers work, they have to learn the 2 to 4 different and complex models with their corresponding algorithms.

Just try to do addition differently from how it’s taught in class using your own algorithm. The teacher will mark it wrong. Even if you got the right answer and your algorithm is valid.