Topic: Estimative Math

The discussion on Common Core continues with "compensation math" or estimative arithmetic, which some engineers claim to use but others find confusing for children. A third-grade lesson plan is shared that teaches children about the use of barcodes on people and animals. The hosts predict that Republicans will turn Common Core into a partisan issue, potentially obscuring the actual concerns regarding the curriculum.

The hosts critique "estimative math," where getting the right answer is less important than being "fluent" in mathematical concepts. They also review third-grade grammar assignments that use sentences about obeying government officials as examples for possessive nouns.