Meet the New Common Core

austinmshauri
Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:07:47 +0000

An interesting article by James Murphy, in [The Atlantic](New SAT, New Problems - The Atlantic) gives a preview of some of the new SAT math problems.

The new test will correspond with the Common Core Standards—the controversial math and reading benchmarks whose design and implementation Coleman happened to spearhead before taking over the College Board. That means the new SAT could have the opposite of its intended effect, at least in the near term, closing opportunities for students who aren’t yet well-versed in the standards.

Kids who lack access to in-person test preparation from tutors like me—who are trained to analyze the new test material and develop strategies for raising scores—could also suffer. The most vulnerable students are those who live in low-income areas or don’t speak English as a first language.

The new paragraph length math problems aren’t going to help kids like my dyslexic, dyscalculic teen either. I wonder how many families like ours will just opt for the ACT instead.