I have struggled against the Everyday Math program in my local school district. It is the primary reason that I pulled my children out of public school.
The basic theory of Everyday Math is that there are multiple processes that can be used in calculation. For example, there is more than one way to do division, “long division” is only one process. The concept is to introduce several processes and each student will utilize the process that clicks for them. However, there are students that need one process and lots of repetition in order to be able to properly perform that math function. Everyday Math does not support those students.
When I pulled my child out of public school, she was making a 30 in math. Three years in Saxton Math (likely what you and I grew up with), and my child just got her first A EVER in math. The change in her confidence is remarkable.
I think it’s worse than just the fact they aren’t mastering essential skills. I’m all for discovery after the basics are mastered. But they want to make math a joke, with all kinds of fluff, easy questions and the use of calculators.
A lot of people feel Saxon + Singapore provides the best combination because Singapore teaches how to think and solve problems creatively the right way. For example see http://www.welltrainedmind.com/J01singapore.html
Let me say this about Saxon: We used Saxon 5/4 through Saxon Alg. 2 when we homeschooled. Starting at 10th grade, we used dual enrollment, so the “kid” had to take the College Placement Exam at the end of 9th grade. He tested into College Alg (with room to spare) and like I said, we had only completed Saxon Alg 2. The “kid” went on to the higher maths with no problem. I’m a Saxon believer!!!
Is Saxton something that would be available to me as an at home helping tool?