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Common Core Standards

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Math is a universal subject which the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines as "the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations." Distinctly, the Oxford Dictionaries defines mathematics as “the abstract science of number, quantity, and space.” One thing that is clear amongst both these definitions is that math is complex and cannot be defined so loosely, which is why I find it difficult defining the literacy of mathematics. However, after reviewing the standards, I have attempted to do so. Being literate in mathematics means that one can count, compare and contrast numbers, understand and …show more content…

I don't think they are meant to be because they do not represent ways of teaching, but rather, the standards that need to be met and what exactly a student has to be able to do by the end of a certain grade. The multicultural and culturally responsive pedagogy comes in when teachers are seeking to meet the standards. However, it makes me wonder if the standards could be written strategically to be culturally responsive and if that would encourage and assure that teachers are in fact being multicultural. Since the main goal of the common core is to create these universal standards so that students can be college ready, these other aspects are not taken into consideration. The common core requires a lot of its teachers and students and often there isn't time left for teachers to include culturally responsive pedagogy. All the needs of the students need to be met, it is therefore difficult to balance the needs of higher expectations with cultural education. For example, one of the standards for second graders, 2.NBT(numbers & operations in base ten) is “explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations” (pg. 18), one way to include culturally relevant pedagogy would be offering students the option to either draw an illustration, create a poem or rap, write and act out a short scene, or make a poster explaining why these …show more content…

It is therefore up to the teacher to find ways of intervention to teach and cater to those students needs. because the standards do not regard the students it is setting a tone for it to be highly unlikely that teachers will seek to support these students. the implications of literacy means that the literacy requirement is once again not black and white, different students may or may not met all the standards and they will likely not reach them at the same time. thus i feel that the definition of literacy should reflect that and isn't so clearly defined or can be clearly evaluated because of this. it also means that the these students will need different ways or additional resources when learning and may have to showcase mastery in a different way. it goes to show that literacy is subjective. this definition indicated that all student need to be literate by mastering these specific things and that includes english language learners. it offers no guidance for educators of diverse learners. it's a one size fits all kind of policy that leaves these students out. are there alternative testing options?how do the standards play out in the curriculum would more clearly depict the implications. if you need to learn all these things to be successful as the next grade then most likely

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