We spoke with an expert from Vanderbilt University about why patterns aren't included in the Common Core State Standards for kindergarten math and whether they should be added.

Patterns are simple sequences that repeat over and over again in a certain order. Supporting children’s ability to recognize patterns can improve mathematical skills.

Teachers can optimize how they introduce math facts and teach strategies while not losing sight of conceptual knowledge.

However, it doesn’t answer to the question, “Do statisticians have to math the magic out of everything?” In addition to our brain being programmed to find patterns, math is kind of everywhere.

You know math better than you think you do: Our mathematical thinking includes not just algebra or geometry, but trigonometry, calculus, probability, statistics, and any of the at least 60 types ...