Rock, Paper, Scissors game requires one to trump another. NC now has this situation in education. The feds = rock, state policy makers = scissors, then the local boards = paper.
Rep. Hurley currently sponsors a “Back to Basics” bill (HB146) that requires inclusion of cursive writing and memorization of multiplication tables in the standard course of study. Someone should tell her the State Board of Education relinquished our state’s rights over curricula to the Feds in the Race To The Top Grant. North Carolina classrooms must teach to the “Common Core State Standards”.
Does Common Core include such items as cursive writing or memorization of multiplication tables?
Common Core excludes cursive writing, but states might “add-on” this activity. Let’s not forget, a state can only alter 15% from the federal approved standards.
As far as memorization of multiplication tables, that might be a stretch!
Common Core 3rd grade: CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.3 Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10–90 (e.g., 9 × 80, 5 × 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of operations.
Common Core 4th grade: CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.B.5 Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one-digit whole number, and multiply two two-digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
Nowhere is “memorization” required.
Do General Assembly Members realize they are now only “scissors” in the game of education? Rock trumps scissors every time!
