tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post9045928825483077053..comments2023-12-15T07:51:27.673-08:00Comments on Betrayed - Why Public Education Is Failing: How we could fix public education, and why it won't happenLaurie H. Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-5720336374833077312014-09-26T08:05:05.248-07:002014-09-26T08:05:05.248-07:00Too many parents are either ignorant of what their...Too many parents are either ignorant of what their children are learning (missing at school), simply do not care enough to investigate, or are plain too dumb to even analyse the content of rubbish taught at school, that it may be in society's best interests to just let those children flunk.<br /><br />For those smarter parents who do get it, they will send their kids to tuition or teach at home, giving their children a better chance in life. You can't fight everyones battle for them!<br /><br />Natural selection? I would say that sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. I've had enough battling school principals, teachers and bureaucrats for no reward, time lost that could have been spent teaching my children. <br /><br />The problem is that teachers themselves have been educated with constructivist pedagogy and this causes a vicious cycle of hopelessness in the system - the blind leading the blind.<br /><br /><br />Fight the battle by educating your children your own way at home and let them go to school to play, then at least they'll have a chance to succeed.<br /><br />Try to fight the system and you will not win, there are too many layers of protection around reformed, dumbed down educational models and too many vested non-academic interests. Do what some cultures in this country do and forget about the system and instead concentrate on your kids.Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-54699708184588341762013-11-15T18:34:59.685-08:002013-11-15T18:34:59.685-08:00The problem with public education is that the gove...The problem with public education is that the government is not paying too much attention to it. This is one of the <a href="http://drpfconsults.com/" rel="nofollow">hot topics in education</a> today. They should also focus on education.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01480842843957779125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-28785243064671465162013-05-28T14:52:40.601-07:002013-05-28T14:52:40.601-07:00I have just retired from 31 1/2 years of teaching ...I have just retired from 31 1/2 years of teaching secondary level math. I have tried to teach around every new fad including Reform Math for the sake of my students. I am hoping there is not a conspiracy to dumb down the electorate as that is all I have seen for the last ten years. All of the local districts hopped on the NSF grants available over the last ten years to bring in Reform math in various ways. And, I truly saw a definite weakening of ability of students to do mental math even in my advanced math classes. We stopped doing well in contests and state testing and now are close to the bottom in math among local districts. We always lagged behind the rest of the US, here in the midwest, so I saw all of the new math coming and read everything I could on it. I really never had much success with both curriculums that were chosen for us( we really never got to choose as we balked after round one failed us) But, teachers can't stop bad curriculum choices when parents are solely concerned with their own children and not others. I do not understand why NCTM can't come out and say Common Core would be better served by teacher directed curriculums instead of student centered discovery ones at the elementary level. They want a more focused, in depth, curriculum and you cannot do that with students that are ill prepared. Elementary school is the time to seriously use the best math teachers and curriculum so that the secondary teachers can add more variety and activities to bolster it. Elementary math teacher training should be completely revamped to support today's need for a better education. I see none of this happening and with state control, no hope for change. Is it weird that all of our old math textbooks are in South America and they are ahead of us in math?Goin Ballistic Fanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04304295260699644881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-28443263797365281442013-05-28T14:31:53.232-07:002013-05-28T14:31:53.232-07:00I just retired from teaching secondary level math ...I just retired from teaching secondary level math for 31 1/2 years and I am wondering why we are definitely dumbing down the public school curriculum. I have fought for years to do the best I could for my students and get around any new fad including Reform Math. My students were weaker and weaker every year, this year was the worst. I hate thinking it is a government conspiracy to dumb down the electorate. And, why doesn't the math community step up and state that Common Core would be better served with a stronger,math curriculum using more teacher directed learning instead of Reform student lead/cooperative learning group work? I was repeatedly dogged and threatened to follow the curriculum like a good teacher should and tried to get parents/ board members involved. But, found it to be a losing battle as all said their own child was their only responsibility.That is why teachers can't beat the system, but can be blamed for a lack of student learning.Goin Ballistic Fanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04304295260699644881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-20279227586770881602013-05-27T07:41:31.964-07:002013-05-27T07:41:31.964-07:00Any time I can do it, Sandy. Just need a little no...Any time I can do it, Sandy. Just need a little notice, and I'll be there.Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-53930933828205210712013-05-26T17:42:19.256-07:002013-05-26T17:42:19.256-07:00Laurie, many thanks for taking PRIVATE time to do ...Laurie, many thanks for taking PRIVATE time to do the research and write a very effective blog informing parents and public what are solutions readily assimilated that benefit student learning. The Anonymous went defensive because the buy-in is complete among those who engage in birthing the reform project. Many know no better, but close their doors. Others, paid for service, cannot digress. Hopefully after Sharon Hanek's presentation for the history of Ed Reform/aka standards-based/aka outcomes based FedEd you will come to present current day dilemmas with which you have engaged these readers. "Anonymous" only because it posts and can't id otherwise.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00776581444454120699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-57683028104577947092013-05-26T14:04:47.044-07:002013-05-26T14:04:47.044-07:00To Anonymous (1:24 p.m.):
Yes, of course.
You do...To Anonymous (1:24 p.m.):<br /><br />Yes, of course.<br /><br />You don’t have to take responsibility for the mistakes because everyone makes mistakes.<br />You don’t have to concern yourself with the children’s academics because you claim to be doing your best.<br />You don’t have to tell parents the truth because the real problem here is Laurie Rogers.<br /><br />I don’t despise the district. The district is made up of children, whom I care about; caring and dedicated staff members who have always been kind to me; and excellent teachers who understand exactly what I’m saying and who are not allowed to be as good as they really are.<br /><br />I’ve spent six and half years trying to persuade administrators to improve what they’re doing in academics. They always have something else to do, and that’s because they’re focused on the wrong things.<br /><br />Anonymous, it’s worth noting that you haven’t expressed one word of concern about the children.<br /><br />If you would ever like to engage in a conversation about the children and their academics, my door is always open to you or anyone else.Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-75365777814235197882013-05-26T13:24:39.086-07:002013-05-26T13:24:39.086-07:00Touchè. There are typos and errors in what you say...Touchè. There are typos and errors in what you say is a massive undertaking for the people who wrote the guides? <br /> <br />"The math program guides that I saw just for high school math, stacked altogether, were several feet tall."<br /><br />So sorry. We are human. I've seen typos and errors in text books and novels, newspapers and magazines. It happens.<br /><br />The reason why I didn't give you more information or answer all of your questions is because I didn't want you to have all the information you desire. You twist anything and everything anyone ever posts on here if they disagree with you in any way.<br /><br />I'm remaining anonymous because I'm a teacher in the district you so despise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-80490607234156078752013-05-26T12:57:02.069-07:002013-05-26T12:57:02.069-07:00To Anonymous (1:21 p.m.):
You said: “It seems in ...To Anonymous (1:21 p.m.):<br /><br /><i>You said: “It seems in the article you are complaining that admin from T&L are writing the program guides and telling teachers how and what to teach. ... Then when given the information that it isn't admin writing the guides, but teachers, from their content, writing the program guides, you complain about that as well.”</i><br />Actually, I acknowledged that this is new information, and I asked questions about it. You decided that my questions are complaints because it fits your narrative, but they’re just questions. You also didn’t answer some of my questions.<br /><br /><i>You said: “You are very hard to please, Laurie.”</i><br />I’m easy to please. If districts would do what they’re supposed to do academically for the children, hold themselves accountable and engage in transparency to parents and taxpayers, I’d be downright delighted. How about if you blame the district for not doing its job, and stop blaming the messenger?<br /><br /><i>You said: “Teachers wrote the program guides, partially during sub out days, partially during evening meetings, and partially over summer. We believe in the program we wrote and committed many many hours to make sure the program aligned to Washington State Performance Expectations (PEs).”</i><br />So, taxpayers are paying for teachers, subs, overtime, and probably food -- so that teachers can write a guide for a program that – were it any good – could just be taught?<br />What is the background of these teachers? While they’re writing program guides, who is teaching the children? What is the administrative team in Teaching and Learning doing? <br />This system only makes sense to people in public education. No one in a successful business would ever operate this way.<br /><br />Are you thinking I should just accept your explanation, an anonymous source, about a collective effort from other anonymous sources, which appears to have led to a deeply flawed academic program? Should I say, “Oh, OK. I get it. It’s fine then.” ?? Looking at the program guides and curricular materials, I see spelling errors, grammatical errors, factual errors, political leanings, and ultimately -- insufficient academics... You might <i>believe</i> in your program, but I see a program that will NOT lead the children to college or career readiness. <br /><br />My point in the article is that the adults in the district should care more about the children than about individual wants and egos. I want to thank you for helping me to prove that point.Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-61847378450821601522013-05-26T11:25:28.882-07:002013-05-26T11:25:28.882-07:00It seems in the article you are complaining that a...It seems in the article you are complaining that admin from T&L are writing the program guides and telling teachers how and what to teach. <br />You said:<br />"program guides – the daily administrative dictates to teachers."<br />Then when given the information that it isn't admin writing the guides, but teachers, from their content, writing the program guides, you complain about that as well.<br />You said:<br />" Teachers are supposed to be in the classroom, teaching ... so how do they put together these program guides?"<br /><br />You are very hard to please, Laurie.<br /><br />Teachers wrote the program guides, partially during sub out days, partially during evening meetings, and partially over summer. We believe in the program we wrote and committed many many hours to make sure the program aligned to Washington State Performance Expectations (PEs).<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-83769988352804105112013-05-25T13:21:19.552-07:002013-05-25T13:21:19.552-07:00Interesting commentary on a problem acknowledged b...Interesting commentary on a problem acknowledged by few. I'm familiar with all three math curriculum mentioned. I've used Dolciani and Singapore. I found Saxon too repetitive for math oriented students. of course, I could have simply reduced the number of problems. I will continue supplementing my son with true Singapore until 7th. I find few teachers willing to acknowledge the issues in schools. Too many are touting the central office line. If I hear one more time that CCS increases rigor and critical thinking I will scream. Wait, I already did that. When I ask how CCS increases rigor when it moves ALG 1 from 8th grade to 9th teachers' eyes glaze over. Asking for examples of increased critical thinking and they will change the topic of conversation. From the perspective of a parent, anyone giving free tutoring services should not have to rent a building. People and groups use the athletic fields all the time for free. Additionally, I want NONE of the required school day devoted to sales techniques, awarding prizes for selling the most etc. How does that calculate into seat time?Laurie, keep up the fight. Too bad parents are not more concerned with academics instead of little Susie's new outfit for school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-66543094952045308122013-05-25T12:55:43.144-07:002013-05-25T12:55:43.144-07:00The odd part for me is that many people are still ...The odd part for me is that many people are still uncomfortable with the word "conspiracy."<br /><br /> I would suggest that American education, since the time of John Dewey, was and is a conspiracy the size of Texas. Impossible not to see.<br /><br />I don't think John Dewey and his cult members ever sat down to lunch when they were not conspiring to transform the school system as a way of transforming the country.<br /><br />Reform Math, in all of its silly manifestations, is prima facie proof that the people in charge do not want children to learn math. Whole Word is proof that the Education Establishment hopes to undermine literacy. I've concluded that every gimmick in the public schools is there precisely because it does NOT work.Bruce Deitrick Pricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02881671487606709421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-1693039374158801122013-05-25T06:38:07.125-07:002013-05-25T06:38:07.125-07:00Anonymous (4:44)
I like aspects of Singapore Math...Anonymous (4:44)<br /><br />I like aspects of Singapore Math (the Standards or the older U.S. Edition), and I use it for K-3. Then, I move to Saxon, supplementing with Singapore. I don't care for the high school Singapore books at all. <br /><br />A few cautions: <br />1. As you rightly pointed out, not all Singapore Math products are created equal. <br />2. Singapore Math has come out with a constructivist series they say is based on the Common Core. Parents should avoid it. <br />3. Singapore Math is word-problem heavy, and it doesn't contain enough practice in some simple things. I modify it to suit the student I'm tutoring. I don't always use it in the way the book is written.<br /><br />If any parent wants to ask about a Singapore series, feel free to write to me. I like aspects of it a great deal, and the Standards or the older U.S. versions are miles and miles better than any reform-math product.<br /><br />Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-64165615561234278042013-05-25T06:26:03.446-07:002013-05-25T06:26:03.446-07:00Anonymous (4:13):
Your question is pertinent. The...Anonymous (4:13):<br /><br />Your question is pertinent. There are as many approaches to parenting as there are parents. Obviously, some parents are not doing the job they should.<br /><br />On the other hand, parents are being lied to about the strength and effectiveness of the math program. How would parents know about the weak math program when they hear the problem is their child, their school, their income level, their community, or maybe themselves? When they hear their child might have ADHD, might have oppositional disorder, or just might not be good in math? When the cut score for the state math tests is set AFTER the children take the tests, and it’s largely set based on how well the children did, and not on a standard level of achievement? Children don’t have to do well in order to pass. In 2012, about 80% of Spokane 10th graders passed the state math test. That number obviously does not reflect the fact that most Spokane 10th graders are close to being mathematically illiterate.<br /><br />People in this district have steadfastly blamed the math problem on teachers, parents, children, society, poverty, etc., but the math problem also resides in families that are strong, well-off, involved and loving, and it resides in children who are dedicated, smart and capable. I see the problem across this district; it cannot legitimately be pinned on the parents.<br /><br />Parents see the truth when their children try to go to college, but many still don’t realize how they’ve been hoodwinked by the K-12 system. It isn’t just Spokane. It isn’t just Washington State. This is the game across the country. What will we do with a nation full of mathematically unknowledgeable graduates? Who will take over the reins of the country?<br /><br />The situation is alarming. Parents should be alarmed. But they have been lulled to sleep by the deception. <br /><br />I’ve been asking this superintendent since September 2012 to lift the curtain and allow parents to see the truth. I hope she will do it. It would help her, too, but it would ruffle the feathers, no doubt about it, of those who would prefer that parents continue to live in ignorance.Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-73488229912463389272013-05-25T04:44:54.913-07:002013-05-25T04:44:54.913-07:00I'd recommend that the schools use Singapore N...I'd recommend that the schools use Singapore National Primary Mathematics Curriculum. The Program made by the Curriculum Planning, Development Division of Education, Singapore. (these materials are available at www.singaporemath.com choose the link shop, thereafter choose mathematics) You may choose US Edition or Standards Editions. The books are available from K-6 and in this year additional books were published for grade 7 and the grade 8 books are coming out in July(there is one textbook for every semester).PLEASE DO NOT EXCHANGE THESE EXCELLENT MATERIALS WITH FOCUS ON MATH OR OTHER copycat materials.<br /><br />The Singapore National Primary Mathematics is the leading curriculum since 1999 internationally. There is no reason we should not use it here in the US everywhere. Singapore is first in TIMSS since 1999 on grade 4 and grade 8 with this curriculum. The US is 26th in the TIMSS. Many schools and home schoolers use this curriculum and the students and teachers react to it wonderfully. Attitudes towards Mathematics are changing. The books are cheap, right on target (no profit for the publishing company)<br />The profit is for the learners, for the teachers and for the parents. Many teachers who hated math since their childhood embrace this curriculum, because its approach changes the attitude of children towards mathematics. It takes some time for the teachers to learn the new approach, but once it is learned it is a lifelong benefit. The teachers do not need to change to any other curriculum, but improve themselves in this concept.<br />I could discus there further the benefits of the Sincapore Math concept, but there are many publications available reflecting on this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-4441237461880254632013-05-25T04:12:32.356-07:002013-05-25T04:12:32.356-07:00Laurie -- where do parents fit in? Yes, I know (a...Laurie -- where do parents fit in? Yes, I know (and agree) districts need to change for the better and in countless ways, but where do parents fit in all of this? Thank you and keep up the great work...<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-68400579787916493762013-05-24T23:11:00.798-07:002013-05-24T23:11:00.798-07:00Anonymous (9:30):
I have reworded that section an...Anonymous (9:30):<br /><br />I have reworded that section and softened the metaphor. Let me know if this is more clear.<br /><br />Writing is a tricky business, and I am not Mozart, who was able to write his music without much editing.<br /><br />I'm glad you mentioned this. I think it's closer now to what I meant. Thank you.<br />Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-22633080744356584642013-05-24T22:50:51.012-07:002013-05-24T22:50:51.012-07:00Thank you for your comments, anonymous (9:30).
I&...Thank you for your comments, anonymous (9:30).<br /><br />I'll rework the wording, but I'm not calling the superintendent a monkey. The word "monkey" is a metaphor -- the lunatics are running the asylum, the monkeys are running the zoo. My point is that she is allowing those who are opposed to proper instruction to prevent needed changes, as they have prevented them for decades. <br /><br />I believe her when she says she wants change, but she's been here for almost a year, collected close to a quarter of a million dollars, and the children still don't have what they need. That's what I'm criticizing. Those in opposition to proper instruction still influence the curriculum.<br /><br />As for the fee schedule, the community tutoring program would be free, run by volunteers, for the benefit of the children. No one pays to come in and read with the children on school property. When I ran a chess club, I didn't pay to do that. This would not be for-profit, which I’ve told them several times. It's about helping the children get up to speed in a critical subject. <br /><br />No, I don't think we should have to pay to volunteer. No one else does. And passing any fee on to parents would in effect be charging parents for a program that is making up for skills the district refuses to teach.<br /><br />As for my issue taking precedence over other parents' issues – You wouldn’t know it from the leadership, but academics are the entire point of a school district. It isn't about me or my issue -- it's about the children and their academics. Placing other issues on a level with academics is -- once again -- missing the point of a school district.<br /><br />As for being tuned out, it happened the moment I went to the board for the third time, the moment I interviewed the former superintendent Brian Benzel, the moment I questioned their idea of how math should be taught, the moment I tried to speak to the local print media, the moment I refused to go along to get along. I can't be tuned out more than I am. And yet, for the sake of the children, I keep trying to get through. The parents do hear me.<br /><br />If the superintendent is upset that someone has noticed that two of the worst math programs in the country will be used again in the fall and has said so, then she is not the person she has told me she is. The fact that we are heading into another academic year without the children getting a good math program, or proper tutoring, or even truth for their parents -- is inexcusable. <br /><br />It's a difficult thing to get anyone in this school district to take responsibility. They always want the praise, but they always duck the criticism. She's at the top. That's why she gets the big bucks, and that's why she's getting this criticism. <br /><br />I think I've been patient. I waited for almost a year to give her room to do what needs to be done.<br /><br />How many years and how many taxpayer dollars do you figure a superintendent should get before she buys the children a good math program, and before she tells their parents the truth?Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-11221782224771421772013-05-24T21:30:06.889-07:002013-05-24T21:30:06.889-07:00Laurie - a couple of things.
First, the intertia ...Laurie - a couple of things.<br /><br />First, the intertia of a district the size of Spokane is huge - rectifying what has been put into place for years, if not decades, is going to take a lot of time (read years). That's very unfortunate for the kids in the system today, but that's just the reality.<br /><br />Second, I cannot imagine that calling the superintendent, in effect, a monkey, is the way to develop a constructive partnership to achieve the needed changes. And, I am not sure what your point is relative to her salary and the fee schedule - don't other groups/organizations have to pay to use the facilities outside of school hours?<br /><br />I can only imagine that for every issue you raise, there are many parents out there raising other issues that they feel are just as important to them and they want them addressed immediately. How does the district make all the needed changes in a timely fashion? I can't imagine it's like snapping ones fingers...<br /><br />You make a lot of interesting points, but you minimize their impact and your activism by being combative and attacking someone that appears to want to bring about change. That's too bad as the district needs input like yours, but that input has to be tempered by reality. If not, you just get tuned out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-70452125822948129672013-05-24T20:12:27.638-07:002013-05-24T20:12:27.638-07:00Really? Thanks for telling me that. How does that ...Really? Thanks for telling me that. How does that happen? <br /><br />Teachers are supposed to be in the classroom, teaching ... so how do they put together these program guides? The math program guides that I saw just for high school math, stacked altogether, were several feet tall.<br /><br />How many teachers are there writing guides, who takes over their classroom, and who actually writes the wording? As we know, a committee can't actually write a guide -- someone has to choose the words. Do they have guidance or oversight -- or even proofreading help -- from T&L? What is their training in writing a curriculum guide?<br /><br />That's amazing news. I would really like to know more about that. My email is wlroge@comcast.net<br />Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-66767935051344585692013-05-24T19:44:00.938-07:002013-05-24T19:44:00.938-07:00Just so you realize, Laurie, it's teachers fro...Just so you realize, Laurie, it's teachers from the district that write the program guides, not admin from Teaching & Learning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-23065169244627990262013-05-24T15:30:53.262-07:002013-05-24T15:30:53.262-07:00That's fine, Anonymous. I understand and accep...That's fine, Anonymous. I understand and accept your point.<br /><br />I have seen the Dolciani textbook. I have a copy of both volumes, as well as the teacher manual.<br /><br />Although the math content within Dolciani is strong, certainly better than any reform textook, it doesn't contain enough practice on the basic skill. The sections with problems provide a few at the teaching level, and then they suddenly sail off to complicated problems that expect a great deal of a student just learning that concept.<br /><br />I'm tutoring a student whose school uses Dolciani. This week's chapter introduced special right triangles, and there was some work on the Pythagorean Theorem. The problems used complicated radicals on both sections, and also asked the student to draw the right triangles with the information given. It was unnecessarily complicated, and the student was confused.<br /><br />In addition, the book occasionally tosses in the odd material from a more advanced level.<br /><br />So, I would take Dolciani over any reform text, but it isn't clear enough or incremental enough for me. I haven't seen a better one on that score than Saxon. I get what you're saying -- not everyone will appreciate Saxon's constant review, but I deal with that by modifying it.<br /><br />(I can't make a muffin recipe without modifying it either. But I think of muffins in the same way -- we should make the recipes that work for us.)<br /><br />Your point was well taken, though, and I added a short paragraph to acknowledge that Saxon isn't the only series that can get the job done. The district's issue with Saxon is philosophical, and that's the point I hope I'm making more clearly now.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it.<br /> Laurie H. Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367210923946752695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-762201600804179432.post-78906441209247950172013-05-24T14:48:40.960-07:002013-05-24T14:48:40.960-07:00Saxon is not a bad program, but as a teacher, I fi...Saxon is not a bad program, but as a teacher, I find its organization a little strange. For students who don't have a teacher available, Saxon is a good program. In trying to teach it to a class, I find its non-standard organization difficult to work with.<br /><br />I like Mary Dolciani's Structure and Method Algebra series better - but since I've never taught elementary school, I don't know which programs might work there.<br /><br />I guess this is a long-winded way of saying that just because a teacher doesn't want to use Saxon, that doesn't mean they're not dedicated to really teaching math. I hate the reform texts as much as anyone (and the software approach too!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com