Commonness

Is a Volkswagen beetle longer than a new crayon?  That is the question asked in this Common Core test. I guess rulers will no longer be used in schools.  The new unit of measure is a crayon.

A bunch of people have posted examples from tests their children are taking. How would you answer the first question in this math test? I don't understand how coins and cups are related.

 

The concept of standardized testing for measuring school performance seems like a good idea, but the devil is in the implementation details. The  Common Core is not only providing standardized testing but is also dictating teaching methods from some central pool of academic theorists experimenting with ways to learn. Call me a skeptic. It doesn't seem like a good idea to stifle local teaching innovation. Standardized math is one thing; I shutter to consider what centrally controlled standardized history and culture tests will emphasize.  Here is one last math problem, sort of.

I had time to ride a little this weekend, so I rode the Honda up to Charouleau Gap.  Here is a view from on top.

On the way back I found some 4x4s stuck at the "Bump Dump". They try to go up this steep rock hill and they get where they don't have traction to climb and their rear bumper is dragging the bottom so they can't go backwards.  To the left and right of this spot are easily negotiable trails.

One of the jeeps climbed up the easier trail and attached a tow strap.

After watching this, another guy showed how common his core was and tried the same thing with a Grand Cherokee.

They were hooking up the tow strap to him when I left.  Here is a video from You Tube of another person's experience.

Now for the uncommon...It is two down and one to go for California Chrome.