SAXON (TEACHING METHOD)

'Saxon math', developed by John Saxon, is a teaching method for incremental learning of mathematics. It involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constant review of old concepts. In all books before Algebra 1/2 (the equivalent of a Pre-Algebra book), the book is designed for the student to complete assorted mental math problems, learn a new mathematical concept, practice problems relating to that lesson, and solve a varied number of problems which are similar to the practice problems learned in that lesson and select previous lessons- all for one day's math. This daily cycle is interrupted for tests and additional topics. In the Algebra 1/2 book and all books in the series higher than said book, the mental math is dropped, and tests are given more frequently.
Standards-based texts such as Dale Seymour's ''Investigations'', which might devote an entire booklet leading up to, but not teaching how to add data items and divide by the total number are contrasted by the Saxon math book, which simply devotes one page to how to compute averages, or how to add, subtract, multiply or divide fractions by traditional methods. Saxon teaches methods and terminology familiar to parents and mathematics professionals, unlike many reform texts which reject traditional terminology or methods such as long division.
The Saxon method is popular with homeschoolers, and has also been adopted as an alternative to standards-based mathematics programs. These programs which follow the NCTM standards have been met with controversy in many communities, with many of the issues presented by Mathematically Correct.

Contents

Criticism

Replacing standards-based texts

External links

Notes

Criticism

Some say that Saxon Math is too repetitive, and it has too many large numbers and takes its time to get into new concepts. Although it practices some concepts, it never goes back to others. Some teachers complain that the method is overly rigid, lacks creativity for both teachers and students, and reduces mathematics to strictly simplistic rote procedures. Some students argue that Saxon is a bad program because it does not allow for hands-on learning.

Replacing standards-based texts

By the mid 2000s, many school districts were considering abandoning experiments with radical reform approaches which had not produced acceptable test scores.

★ Tacoma, Washington, 2006. School board member Debbie Winskill stated that despite a lengthy selection process and considerable training, the non-traditional Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) "has been a dismal failure." Speaking to the board, Mount Tahoma High School teacher Clifford Harris noted that he taught sophomores in another district Saxon Math, and their Washington Assessment of Student Learning scores have continually climbed. The Saxon program gives students plenty of chances to review material so they retain their skills, he said. That's not the case with IMP, he said in an interview.^[1] In September 2006, Tacoma Public Schools introduced the Saxon books district-wide and rejected the previous IMP textbooks.^[2]

External links

★ Saxon Publishers website

Notes

1. Back to basics on kids’ math: Alarmed by low scores, Tacoma school officials OK added Saxon textbook. Debby Abe; ''The News Tribune'' (Tacoma WA) August 25, 2006 (Scroll down)
2. New-age math doesn't add up. Bruce Ramsey; ''Seattle Times'' (Seattle WA) April 22, 2006