[ThanhPhero]

The math books in public schools are written to require teacher presentation and are very difficult to learn math from without a teacher. The Saxon Series, on the other hand is designed so that it can be read, understood , and taught, by just about anyone. I got the Saxon Algebra 1 when it first came out and gave it to my 8th grade son who taught himself algebra from it. I read it myself and followed directions and it was perfectly laid out for that. The year before I tried to help my nephew with his public school algebra book and was mystified. I could help him learn algebra but could not tell whether it was what the book wanted. Saxon is mostly used in private schools and at home because it makes teachers feel unnecessary and the union doesn't like that. Some public schools seem to be going to Saxon for the elementary grades but at the lower levels there is a tremendous amount of paper and worksheets so I guess that satisfies teachers that they are useful.

[wintertime]

The math books in public schools are written to require teacher presentation and are very difficult to learn math from without a teacher. The Saxon Series, on the other hand is designed so that it can be read, understood , and taught, by just about anyone.

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My children used the Saxon Math books, and excelled. They were finished all general college requirements and Calculus III by the age of 15. The two younger earned B.S. degrees in math by the age of 18, and the older of these two, a masters in math at 20.

You make an interesting point about public school text books being written so that a government teacher is necessary. I would bet, that they are also written in this manner to mystify the parents, and reinforce the idea that only so-called "professionals" can teach.