Saxon Algebra Teacher

[Jeana]

I don't see many people recommend Saxon for Algebra. My son will finish 6B Singapore Math and then I am not sure where to go from there. I need a lot of hand holding I almost failed Algebra and had to get a tudor. I saw the Algebra teacher and thought that this would be the way to go. I don't know much about any of the programs. I've also heard Jacobs is good as well. ANy suggestions? Thanks, Jeana

[Jann in TX]

After 6B I suggest going into a good-solid Pre-Algebra program.

The majority of programs now have optional video lessons. This helps to take the pressure off of parents who are not strong in math--or those who need/have more independent learners. I still suggest a math tutor or someone on hand to to answer occasional questions as they come up--much better than struggling while trying to make sense out of a concept you don't quite understand.

Saxon used to be one of the main options for homeschoolers--now it is just one of many. It does NOT fit all learning styles--and even with video lessons (like Saxon Teacher and the DIVE program) it is not fool proof. I have had success teaching Saxon upper Maths--but I've also had to switch many students to a more traditional text. I would not use Saxon with any student who was not strong/natural in Math.

Jacobs is another popular text--but it only has an Algebra 1 and a Geometry text...you have to switch to a different program for Algebra 2 and above...they suggest Foerster.

Foerster, Larson (what Chalkdust uses) and Lial are three strong programs for highschool Math. They were created around the same set of standards--and are definately college prep. They are more 'rigorous' than many programs developed for homeschoolers--but are among the better quality of public school texts. Lial and Larson's texts are often used in community colleges. There are videos available for each of these series.

My favorite is Lial--it is cost efficient and it is easy to adjust to the needs of students on different levels. I've used it with honors students and with students that have learning differences. The student text has the full lesson including detailed examples. I chose this series for my own dds--it is also the one that the majority of my tutoring students use.

For Pre-Algebra I'd suggest Lial's Basic College Math (text is all that is needed but for $30 you can add videos) or Chalkdust (video program that uses the Larson texts).

[Jeana]

Jann,

Thanks so much for such a detailed answer. My son doesn't have a lot of trouble with math. However, I find that with whatever program I use he tends to pick up what he needs to do to finish the book and get 100%. When we try to take the new learned skills to some other program he doesn't remember how. He will often be able to work out the correct answers but with his own way of figuring it out.

I find it hard to asses where he is "really" at. He knows way more than me so that makes it even more difficult. I don't want him to have problems in this area because his main ambition in life is to become a scientist and find the cure for cancer. He loves science and only does the math because he realizes that without it he will struggle with higher sciences.

Which program would you choose in light of what I have told you. He is a very independent learner. He really doesn't need me for too much now. He is only 11 but very self motivated when he wants to learn something.

Thanks again,

Jeana O'Donnell

[AngieW in Texas]

Kinetic Books Algebra is set up very well for an independent learner. Most of the practice problems have immediate feedback and stepped help. They don't just give you the answer or even show you the entire solution. Instead, the step you through to get to the solution.

The only problem is that the end of unit problems have only an answer key. If your ds gets one of those problems wrong and can't figure out what he did wrong from looking at the correct answer in the answer key, then you're out of luck unless you post the problem on the high school board and somebody knows how to answer it. The problem with that is that complicated problems with radicals and exponents and fractions are difficult to type.

KB has a free trial, but it's only three days.

It's definitely a rigorous program. It goes a lot deeper than Jacobs.

[Jeana]

Thanks Angie! Jeana

[Anne]

Jeana,

Can you find a MathCounts group in your area? If there isn't a homeschool group, perhaps there's a private school that would let your son join their group?

MathCounts is a terrific national (international?) competitive math program for 6-8 graders. It really helped my kids go "beyond the book" which I just wasn't able to help them do.

MathCounts would not replace your curriculum, it would be an addition.

Just something else to look into!! :)

Anne