[achenatx]

common core is not methods at all. Common core is only standards. Like be able to solve 3 digit addition. Or be able to estimate the the product of 3 digit numbers

The methods themselves can be any methods. I agree that the methods Ive seen associated with common core are designed to help people understand how the math works. Like why when you add fractions do you not just also add the denominator. However it is a tough balance between just memorizing how to do the problem and understanding why you do it a certain way.

The big push I see is word problems in lieu of worksheets. The huge issue is word problems take a long time and kids havent done enough worksheets to become fluent in the techniques. Teachers call worksheets drill and kill and want to "teach to the whole child".

The big problem is that people in education are simply not very smart. The education researchers are also not very smart. Ive seen data that shows that stem teachers are ok, but I dont think those are the majority of education academics.