[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.

[ThanhPhero]

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.

That has been my impression. My wife's school tried out the Saxon series a few years ago and rejected it after a year because some teachers thought it was too easy and they felt left out.