When I looked at the problem, I immediately thought 25+11=36. Same way I would have as a kid. I then struggled to figure out the mentality behind the solutions provided.
I like the idea behind thinking about math in a more general way vs. memorizing step by step the same for every problem. My issue is if they limit how students see it, ie. 25+10+1. Not everyone will “get it” in the same or most “efficient” way. This will be interesting to see how it gets implemented and changes over the years. My daughter just started Kindergarten and has really good number sense. I just hope common core math provides more tools to use and not just a different set of rote limitations.
