Modeling in the Common Core State Standards

Abstract

The inclusion of modeling and applications into the mathematics curriculum has proven to be a challenging task over the last fifty years. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) has made mathematical modeling both one of its Standards for Mathematical Practice and one of its Conceptual Categories. This article discusses the need for mathematical modeling in school mathematics and scrutinizes the strengths and weaknesses of CCSS with respect to current practices for teaching mathematical modeling.