This article point out the importance of problem solving.
This article is not on the Common Core directly. However, I think it is related. If we teach the CCSSM correctly (including the Mathematical Practices) I think our students will be better problem solvers – and therefore better off mathematically and better prepared for the STEM fields and life, in general.
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/why-americas-smartest-students-fail-math/
I love the quote,
“They were never taught how to read a map, or even that there is a map.”