re: (Not Common Core)-- Why are they teaching math this way?

quote:

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Fine but if he knows the answer to the math problem why would you deduct for not drawing little humps on a line?

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Simply because it's testing the understanding of the application and not the ability to apply. It's a pain in the arse for smart kids. From at least 2nd grade on, I would argue with teachers about whether showing work was necessary. Usually they saw that I grasped the concept and quit forcing me to do it. I was wildly annoyed when I had to do it, but it was in the directions. And learning to read and follow directions is also something that isn't universally understood, oddly enough.


School in the early years is a drag for a smart kid without gifted classes or advanced placement options. Even with them, the basic stuff you still have to do sucks. Sounds like it's just an annoying time that will eventually end.