I was told by a Principal that with the new Common Core they don't care if you get the ANSWER RIGHT- they care that you know HOW you got it! They want the child to show they have the critical thinking skills.

My DS6, in 2nd but doing 3rd grade math, does everything in his head and dislikes showing work- but he is able to state how he comes up with answer, if asked.

I was told they don't want you to MEMORIZE facts, but be able to "do" them.

One can never consent to creep when
one feels an impulse to soar!
~Helen Keller