Abeka 5 to Saxon ?

[Suzybearybake]

If one switches from Abeka's Arithmatic 5 curricculum in fifth to Saxon in sixth grade would we go to 65,76,or 87 ? I think 76 is the sixth grade one but I think I remember reading that Saxon is a little behind so one should go with the next level. I plan on having him switch by Algebra 1/2 so that we can use the Dive CDs to help with instruction. When would be the best time to switch so that we do not have any gaps between programs? I have heard that Abeka math programs were not that good at the upper levels and a lot of people were not happy with the sixth grade book. What are your thoughts/ opinions?

[ChocolatePrincess]

My 5th grade dd is finishing her 6th grade Abeka book and I will have her take the Saxon placement test. (On the website for free). I did this with her older sister and she went from 6th grade Abeka (in 6th grade) to Saxon Algebra 1/2 in 7th grade. It worked out great!

[Sue G in PA]

if you go to their website. Here is the link:

http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com/HA/Resources/ResourceCenter/RCSResults.aspx?type=Content&cState=&cFromGrade=All&cToGrade=All&cTR=true&cfList=37&sovar=37

I would start in the Grade 5 test and go from there. No sense doing anything below if she's already completed Abeka 5, KWIM? HTH

[Jann in TX]

Saxon is a bit behind in the lower grades--but it starts to catch up in the 7/6 book. The 8/7 and Algebra 1/2 texts are both strong Pre-Algebra texts.

ABeka's book 5 is pretty strong on computation--not so strong on application. It is still a good 5th grade text.

I would suspect that your student will easily test into Saxon 7/6--but more likely 8/7. If you have the choice between 8/7 and Algebra 1/2 I'd go with 8/7 as it will present the material in more depth--while Algebra 1/2 depends more on prior knowledge/mastery--especially since Saxon has a unique way of wording/working problems that your student will not be familiar with.

If your student is strong in math then 8/7 would most likely work. If your student is average or immature then a year of 7/6 would be great--it will present new material (while still reviewing) and it is perfectly fine to have a more 'relaxed' year especially at this age when hormones start to go crazy!

Many students who are rushed into Algebra by 7th grade do not do as well (in higher maths) as if they would have reviewed for one more year and taken it in 8th. Many students will do even better if Algebra is delayed until 9th!

Use the placement tests as a loose guide. Both 8/7 and Algebra 1/2 are tough books after you get through the first 30 or so lessons.

Also note that ABeka is a more traditional program--Saxon is anything but traditional --and many students have trouble learing the material in pieces--and will do much better seeing the big picture--something that Saxon never seems to show (it is up to the student to be able to put the pieces together)--also the 'pieces' are not presented in order--the concepts skip around... I guess I'm saying that if you try Saxon and it becomes frustrating then PLEASE switch to a more traditional text--this would be more of a learning style issue and it can really make or break a child's future in math (I've seen it turn math capable students into insecure math students and even math haters!).

[Sue G in PA]

My dd is moving into Saxon 8/7 or Alg. 1/2 next year. She's a fairly strong math student. Not super-strong, but certainly capable. If we hit a "wall" using Saxon for Pre-Algebra and Algebra, what other programs would you recommend?

[Ellie]

even if, as Jann says, to use it "loosely," I have read more than one message from someone who picked a book based on "grade level" and found she'd made a terrible mistake:(

I read that John Saxon didn't want to put grade levels on his books at all, because they are experience levels, not grade levels.