A cognitive core for common state standards

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate cognitive challenges introduced by Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (2010) with regard to conceptualizing fractions. We focus on a strand of standards that appear across grades three through five, which is best represented in grade four, by standard 4.NF.4a: “[Students should] understand a fraction a/b as a multiple of 1/b. For example, use a visual fraction model to represent 5/4 as the product 5 × (1/4), recording the conclusion by the equation 5/4 = 5 × (1/4).” We argue that supporting such conceptualizations is a critical challenge for teachers and researchers to address in US education, but one fraught with conceptual hurdles for students. We adopt a scheme theoretic perspective and share the case study of a sixth-grade student, to illustrate the ways of operating students need to develop for meaningful attainment of the new standards.

► We investigate a fractions learning progression stipulated by Common Core Standards.
► We highlight cognitive challenges associated with attaining the new standards.
► Findings suggest standards need to further account for learning trajectories.
► Units coordination plays a critical role in conceptualizing fractions.