Correlation coefficient of linear fit?

The Common Core State Standards Initiative has, in its High School Statistics and Probability section, the statement 

Compute (using technology) and interpret the correlation coefficient of a linear fit.

You can find it here.

I suppose I can accept the utilitarian notion of being able to computer something on a calculator while having no idea where it comes from, as long as the result can be interpreted correctly.

I do have a problem with question 11 from the New York State Algebra I (Common Core) exam. 

I see nothing in here involving interpretation or understanding. All I see is a question asking whether or not the student could remember a cook-book recipe from their calculator's user manual. Pity the poor teacher whose students have the gamut of calculators. (After all, school cannot be a mandate for using a certain company's products.)  I must assume that this question is not testing the students ability to state the coordinate names for the points, as the question requires a number of steps beyond that.

What I do see here is a lousy test question. 

As for the relevance of the topic itself, well, that is debatable. If Algebra I is considered as an introductory high school course, I say absolutely not. Comprehension of correlation coefficient requires a skills base and a time commitment better suited to a later course. If Algebra I is considered an exit exam, perhaps the situation changes. Since New York now considers Algebra I regents exam as both an introductory course (anything below it is considered remedial) and an exit course, in a one-size-fits-all scenario, things are very confusing.

By the way, I looked at NYSED's page regarding this test. It is here, and as of today, all its links are password-protected.