Darcy in FL Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 It seems on the old boards that there was some discussion about which path to take after Saxon 7/6. TWTM book recommended skipping 8/7 (unless you need a slower pace-which we don't) and doing Algebra 1/2. which was my plan. But if I remember correctly someone said in using the latest editions you should do 8/7 instead of 1/2. :confused: Can anyone tell me if have this right or wrong? If I have it right-- what is the reasoning behind it and why the change? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 The OLD (original edition) 8/7 texts did not include an introduction to variables. Both 8/7 and Algebra 1/2 are considered 'Pre-Algebra' texts. I personally (as a math teacher and parent) prefer 8/7. It moves a bit slower and the explanations are in a bit more detail. Algebra 1/2 jumps right in to more complex problems and has a tiny bit more Geometry (like constructions) in the back. I've tutored more students who had troubles in Algebra 1/2 (due to the program moving too fast). Most students really benefit from a 'once more from the top' Pre-Algebra course to solidify processes and give them a year to mature before the more abstract problems of Algebra 1. If your student is a VERY strong math student then use Algebra 1/2. If they are making below 90% on tests and daily work then use 8/7. Algebra 1/2 is just different enough that one could work BOTH texts if an extra 'maturity' year is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue G in PA Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I think this is what I'm going to do. The new texts (softcovers) have been revamped so that 8/7 has much more Pre Algebra included. The recommendation was to use 8/7 after 7/6 IF you are using the NEW books. If you are going to buy second-hand and get an older edition, go with Alg. 1/2. Somebody on this board had said she spoke to a Saxon rep. who said you could use 8/7 after 7/6 with the second edition and above. I'll most likely buy used and will probably go w/ Alg. 1/2. You can always call Saxon and ask them what they think as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momofkhm Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Dd was strong in math in 7/6, she's a strong all around student really. So I thought with her I'd go 1/2 and then with the next I'd go 8/7. Well after weeks of missing 30% of the problems and reworking those the next day, we've gone back and are doing 8/7. She tested until I couldn't be sure she was just making silly mistakes and really wasn't getting it. Now she is going through and doing well again. I am once again enjoying correcting her math. I know I'm much happier! I will definitely go with 8/7 for my next child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in TN Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 After Saxon Math 76, I had my dd take the Saxon Math 87 Tests one each day until she scored less than 85%. We would go over any problems she missed together. Once she scored less than 85% we did the lessons daily. If I remember correctly they were the last 20-30 (maybe a few more) at the end of the text. Then she began Saxon Algebra 1/2 doing one lesson per day. We also use the DIVE CD for the instruction. She is doing well in the text, scoring better than 85% on the problem sets and missing only 1 problem at the most on the tests. She will start Saxon Algebra 1 in June. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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