Elementary Mathematics Common Core Curriculum

For those of you over the age of 35, it is highly probable you have no idea what you are looking at, besides a Venn-diagram with little green numbers and black letters. This is how the Common Core approaches statistics in their elementary mathematics curriculum. A problem such as this is introduced starting at the 2nd-grade level. Students are expected to understand from this diagram that there are 8 members in group M, 3 in Group E, 13 in both groups and 6 in neither. They can use this to then understand that 15% are in group E (by calculating the sample population of 20 and dividing 3 by it).
The standards elementary schoolers are highly graphical for mathematics. It has evolved from iterating arithmetical equations a deeper level of thinking. This is great for preparing students for the many, many word problems they will face down the line, however, it introduces the problem we have faced generation after generation. Parents are clueless at how to help their children with their inevitable math homework.
While it is normal to expect a 9th-grade student to take detailed notes from their class to answer their own questions for a complex Algebra II problem, you cannot hold a 2nd-grade student to equal standards Parents have a responsibility during those years of education to assist their children with subjects such as English, Math, and History. However when you, a 40-year-old, cannot define what a polygon is; the result is great frustration, ending with both you and your child, more confused than when you started.
Now, I'd like you to try the following math problem:


Take a minute. Open the Spoiler when you are finished

Spoiler: Answer

Now that you have the answer of 919, I want you to look at your work. If it looks like:


then you have normally learned math more than 35 years ago. You simply carry your remainders to the next point and divide. However, if your work looks like:

then you probably have a child or are under the age of 35.

The second method of division, called long division, is how common core expects students to divide numbers. While this does prepare students for later algebraic division problems, however, students can be put at a disadvantage in their current circumstances if they learn, as they should, from their parents to use the simplified method. They will find it easier to use the simplified method, and, according to the Common Core, will be unable to perform basic division problems, as they are expected.

I am neither attempting to argue for or against the Common Core curriculum, however, there are many one-sided arguments in recent times as it pertains to the Common Core, specifically elementary mathematics. The systems in place do prepare students well for later courses, however, it does not properly express a student's ability to understand the material. If Sally has 12 shells, and Tom gives her 2 more, it is fair to write the expression 2+12, however, in many classrooms, this would be marked as incorrect, as the initial quantity should be listed first, despite the fact that addition is communitive. Clearly the student understands how to perform the operation, however, is deemed incompetent in that area. Education is not always just right or wrong. There are often numerous correct answers, and answers that are partially correct. Educators, even at the lowest grades, must understand this, and evaluate students accordingly.