In the ever-evolving landscape of education, finding an adept math curriculum that meets the needs of all students can be a daunting task. At Ossipee Valley Christian School, we have chosen to incorporate the Saxon Math curriculum into our mathematics program.
Saxon Math, a time-tested and widely respected curriculum, has consistently proven its effectiveness in providing students with a strong foundation in mathematics. With its structured approach and emphasis on mastery, Saxon Math has become a trusted choice for educators, parents, and students alike.
Saxon Math Overview
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Saxon Math™ provides a learning structure proven to advance students steadily and assuredly to higher levels of understanding by building on their prior learning so all students can master mathematics. In Saxon Math, concepts from every math strand are woven together and connected throughout the year. Skills or concepts are reinforced throughout the years, helping students build a strong foundation of understanding.
See details and read more in this research paper: Theoretical and Empirical Support for Saxon Math.
Mastering Mathematics
One of the key strengths of Saxon Math is its incremental approach. Concepts are introduced gradually, building upon previous knowledge, ensuring that students thoroughly understand each topic before moving on to the next. This method of learning, known as “spiral learning,” reinforces concepts over time, preventing students from forgetting what they have learned and promoting a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. It’s a curriculum that doesn’t rush students through math but rather encourages them to master each step of the way.
“Nature is written in mathematical language.”
— Galileo Galilei
Problem-Solving And Critical-Thinking
Saxon Math is also renowned for its rigorous problem-solving and critical-thinking exercises. The curriculum challenges students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering the development of practical math skills that extend beyond the classroom. By emphasizing problem-solving and critical thinking, Saxon Math equips students with essential skills that are invaluable for future academic and career success.
“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.”
— William Paul Thurston
Learning Flexibility
Moreover, Saxon Math is designed to be flexible, accommodating various learning styles and pacing. Whether a student needs extra time to grasp a concept or is ready to move on quickly, Saxon Math can be tailored to suit individual needs. This adaptability ensures that every student can thrive and succeed at their own pace.
“Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.”
— Albert Einstein
Evidence Based Math Curriculum
Saxon Math has a proven record of success in schools across the nation as evidenced by numerous studies showing improvement that’s measurable, immediate, and long-lasting.
Education Week says:
“Two Programs for teaching mathematics in the early grades – Math Expressions and Saxon Math – emerge as winners…”
Read and learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence criteria ratings for these various grade levels:
How We Apply Saxon Math At OVCS
At OVCS we use Saxon Math in grades 2-8, where the effectiveness is strongest for this curriculum.
Overall, our philosophy is that learning is ultimately about more than what you can memorize from a book, and far more effective when applied through real world understanding. Therefore, we allow our teachers liberty to tailor the curriculum each year to the needs of the students.
That said, because Saxon Math gives us an easy formula to follow when it comes to learning and applying math concepts, many of our teachers adhere to the base concept and then add on applicational instruction as needed.
A typical week in Math at OVCS looks like this:
- New classroom lessons are being taught each day, 3 – 5 lessons per week
- Written practice is typically completed in class to help students apply and learn the new concepts with the availability of their teacher
- Some grade levels are assigned additional homework to aid in comprehension
- Weekly in-class reviews prepare students for exams and allow them to get their questions answered
- Weekly quizzes and exams to assess the progress and understanding of each student before moving on to the next lesson
Here’s what our Headmaster and 7th/8th Grade Math teacher, Scott Weirick, has to say:
“I have used several different curriculums over the years, but consistently favor Saxon for the upper elementary and middle grades. I value the format and find it allows me to develop a reliable and consistent teaching rhythm that students and parents can count on. The books also allow parents to support their children at home because of the user-friendly system and layout.”
In conclusion, Saxon Math has proven to be an exceptional curriculum for students of all backgrounds and abilities. With its incremental, spiral approach, emphasis on problem-solving, and adaptability to different learning styles, it provides students with the tools they need to excel in mathematics and beyond. If you’re seeking a curriculum that builds a strong foundation, fosters critical thinking, and can be tailored to individual needs, Saxon Math is a compelling choice for student success at OVCS.