Jump to content

Menu

Mathusee vs Saxon Geometry


Recommended Posts

Hi Gals,

 

I was just hoping for some feedback for math next year. We have always use MUS and love it (well, dd doesn't love math but we get it done w/minimal complaint:) I love that it's easy for me to teach and gets done in a reasonable amount of time. Next year she'll be a part of our coop's high school academy and can take Saxon math there. I'm drawn to letting someone else teach this....in case I get over my head. But I've heard some negatives about Saxon Geometry (maybe problems have been fixed?), and current Saxon Algebra I students meet for 50 min. at coop and then have about 1 1/2 hrs. of work every day (the other 4 days). That just seems so long for math on top of everything else.

 

Just wondering if I could get some views on the quality difference between each program. Thanks:) Blessings, Gina

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1.5 hrs is long for math.  It's also typical for Saxon texts.  It's also very effective for the right student.   IMO there's seldom a short cut to mastering math.  Spending a significant amount of time on math in high school makes for a smooth transition to college math courses.  We didn't use Saxon geometry and I've never even seen MUS texts, so I have no way to compare, but I'm sure others can.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the reply. At least there's a bright side if we use it..college transition:) Just not sure what to do. She's likely not going into a math/science field and we plan to use MFW which is about 3 hours a day. If we add on 1 1/2 hrs. for math, plus time for Apologia and Spanish...plus her music practice...just feels like a long day:) 

 

Any one have a comparison of the two programs? I thought I read that Saxon has more proofs...which can be a headache. And that MUS has enough for what's needed w/o going overboard. But this is my first highschooler so I don't really know what's needed:) Thanks! Blessings, Gina

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know anything about Saxon Geometry, but Saxon in general is....Saxon. It's different from most other types of programs and I think it would be hard to jump into mid-stream at the high school level, and not particularly worth it if you have a program that's working for you.

 

As far as geometry goes, I don't think adding more time to your day for geometry would be worth it. Saxon Geometry by itself would not help with the college transition. If I were to add more time to my day at that level of math, I'd do it for algebra where the time investment would pay off more. 

 

I've seen MUS Geometry and it's basic, but I think it would be enough for what most people need for their future. Just do SAT prep if the SAT is in your plans.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's more likely that not having done Saxon Alg I would hurt you. I haven't tried it myself, but from what experienced people have said Saxon is pretty difficult to jump into after Algebra I due to the uniquely different style of teaching. I don't know if MUS Algebra would be sufficient prep.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If she does MUS geometry, maybe she could also work through Saxon Algebra 1 to make the transition to Algebra 2 smoother.  Since she's already had algebra 1, she would probably be fine doing half the lesson problems or something like that to have it take less time.  Another thought is that if the co-op is using the 3rd editions of Saxon, the geometry is built in and she wouldn't even need to do a separate geometry.  In that case, I'd have her do the complete 3rd edition of Saxon Algebra I.  If the co-op uses the 4th editions, then she'll need the separate geometry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Co-op uses 4th edition, so separate Geometry. She's now doing MUS Algebra 1. Good idea to use some Saxon Algebra, except I just don't know when we'd find the time...and I'd probably have a mini-revolt:) We did sit in on the Saxon Algebra I class and I was happy to see that it was all stuff that she could do, except for one thing we hadn't learned, but would only take a short lesson to learn....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have never used MUS (friends use it and like it. Seems easier to me), but we transition from Jacob's Algebra to Saxon Algebra II (co-op we joined used Saxon). My dd had to work on the Geometry portion that had been covered in Saxon Algebra 1 during the summer  (bought an old textbook and found the geometry lessons and problems for her to practice). It was a smooth transition. She is now finishing Advanced Math with Saxon. Saxon's website says she has earned a geometry credit by working through all three textbooks (algebra 1, algebra 2 and 1/2 of advanced math).

I also own the separate Saxon Geometry and I made her take all the tests during the summers (just because....I wanted to justify that Geometry credit and say "Yes, she did earn it. She passed all the tests in the Saxon Geometry textbook). There is MORE geometry in the Geometry textbook than it the other three combined, so for the last two tests she had to work on the lessons in the separate geometry book to pass them.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks:) Not sure what we'll do. I'm leaning towards just keeping on w/MUS since it's working, I own AMUS Geometry and Alg. II already, and I really don't want to have her spending 1 1/2 hrs. per day on math with all the time other subjects will take...and since she likely won't go into a math/science field....

 

I agree that there is much benefit in not overloading her. There are probably plenty of things more worth her investment of time. And if she needs more math at some point for a specific goal, then she'll do it and be fine. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the encouragement:) Ds (only 5th:) currently wants to be engineer. At least I know for him that maybe I should transition him out by Algebra. But for dd I just don't know that it's worth it....

 

One thing to consider is that you can use MUS to the end or for as long as it's working. Then you can take a placement test for another program or at CC or wherever, and jump in at the appropriate level. You may have to back up or maybe not. Or if he feels he wants more of a challenge at any point, go for it! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...