Mathematics and the Common Core

Written by Madeleine Jepsen

Sarah Onken is a senior majoring in politics and mathematics. For her math thesis, Sarah chose to examine the standards the common core sets for mathematics and what they reveal about how common core answers the question, “What is mathematics?” Focusing her research on the standards set for younger grades, Sarah examines the philosophy behind the mathematical curriculum.

“The more we looked into the standards associated with the primary grades, we saw how the common core was really emphasizing data analysis—which is a part of math, but not the whole of it—and also really emphasizing abstract thinking, and even algebraic thinking,” she said.

Though Sarah recognizes the significance of data analysis, she said it does not accurately reflect the entirety of the field.

“We concluded that, yes, the common core sees math as a means to a scientific end,” she said. “Math certainly helps the sciences in so many ways, but it doesn’t ever really examine math as an end in and of itself.”

According to Sarah, her math thesis has been a way for her to explore the applications of the philosophy behind mathematics.

“Working with something that’s so contemporary and that’s affecting so many children and families across the nation, to try to see how the common core answers the question of ‘What is mathematics?’ That dictates a lot of other things that they’re emphasizing in the standards.”

Madeleine Jepsen, ‘18, studies biochemistry and journalism. Outside the classroom, Madeleine serves as a reporter and assistant editor for the Collegian. She is also involved in Catholic Society.