Saxon Overview

Placement Tests

• Primary Grades K- 3 - Placement Test
• Middle Grades 4 - Algebra 1/2 - Placement Test
• Algebra 1 - Placement Test

Saxon takes an incremental (little by little) approach to math, introducing a new skill or principle each day, then reviewing these concepts and skills day after day for weeks. This approach helps build students' confidence in their ability to "do" math successfully. Students who have used this program receive consistently high scores on standardized math tests.

The early elementary program includes and requires a lot of manipulative activities; indeed, it cannot be done without the appropriate manipulatives. It also includes lots of teacher's help in the form of instructions concerning exactly what to say and what to do. Saxon Publishers does not provide the necessary manipulatives for its early elementary program. As a service to our customers, we have put together manipulative kits that include all the necessary manipulatives.

The Saxon Math homeschool kits for K through 8/7 include everything you will need to teach one child. All books are softbound, black and white, and can be used with additional or successive students with purchase of additional consumable tests/worksheets.

The Saxon Math Home Study Kits for Algebra 1/2 and higher include hardback student books, answer keys to the homework problems, and a series of examinations with answers. Student books are hardback, black and white, about 400 pp, and non-consumable. Answer keys and tests are paperback. Tests are consumable.

Strengths

Saxon Math prides itself on its ability to help marginal students acquire relatively high scores in standardized tests. It is extremely strong in the areas of arithmetic computation and mathematical principles (i.e., the "distributive principle," "commutative principle," etc.). It is relatively easy to teach and, from fourth grade up, requires little parental involvement.

Weaknesses

For students who don't require the drill, Saxon Math can be boring. In early elementary grades, it is relatively pricey.