Saxon - Versions, Editions, Homeschool Edition

[cbollin]

"Old" Saxon vs. New Saxon?

We'll be starting 8/7, and other than the third editions being consumable (big bummer, in my opinion), has anyone noticed any change in content or sequence. Any rumors of it being "dummed" down true? Just wondering if I should buy an older book off ebay, or order the new homeschooling packet (which I am leaning toward).

Thanks!!
Lisa

Saxon 8/7 3rd edition, homeschool version with prealgebra is the one that you want. (and yes, that is the one that MFW sells)

It is NOT a consumable book just because it is not hard cover. The only consumable part of the 8/7 3rd edition homeschool with pre-algebra is the book with the daily facts practice. The main text (soft cover) is NOT a workbook, nor consumable (no room to write in them). The tests are not consumable either (there's no room to show work). So I think you've read inaccuracies on the internet regarding the book.

The older edition of 8/7 is the one that people skipped as it was the "weaker" sequence. Older version you skip 8/7 and do Alg 1/2.

The current version of 8/7 is the one people use, then if the child gets 80% on tests or higher they'll be ready to skip Algebra 1/2 and move directly to Algebra I. 8/7 is a thick text too.

-crystal

[racegirl]

Crystal,

Thanks for clarifying!! I'm glad I asked. I did think 8/7 was a workbook, so I'm so glad to hear it's not consumable. I'm really looking forward to starting in the fall!!

Thanks a lot!
Lisa

[Lucy Robertson]

I have been using Saxon math from 4th to 8/7. I have been getting the homeschool edition. I just ordered Algebra 1 from MFW and They sent me the "normal" one. I was wondering if Saxon makes a homeschool version for Algebra 1and higher. Does anyone know? Thanks for the help!

Hi,

We only carry the homeschool version, but it does not say homeschool on the book. The schools version (not homeschool) has a camera on the front and the one that you should have received has a blue background with large orange block letters that spell out ALGEBRA.

If you have any concerns, please contact our office at 573-426-4600 and we will be happy to help make sure you have received the correct version.

Lucy

[Lucy Robertson]

I saw on another website that Saxon now has Algebra I and II Fourth Edition. From what I can tell the fourth editions are pretty new (2011). Here is what they say:

"This 4th Edition is perfect for students who are interested in taking the Saxon Geometry course. Featuring the same incremental approach that's the hallmark of the Saxon program, the 4th Edition Algebra textbooks feature more algebra and precalculus content and fewer geometry lessons than their 3rd Edition counterparts."

Does anyone know if MFW has any plans to switch from recommending and selling the 3rd edition to the 4th edition? Since MFW has recommended Jacob's Geometry all along, would there be any benefit from using this new 4th edition? Also, I'm wondering if part of the reason for staying with the 3rd edition (if that is what the plan is) is because the 3rd edition is more tested and was written by Saxon himself.

Dear Colleen,
Thank you for your interest in My Father's World's choice regarding the new 4th edition of Saxon.

Based on our relationship with Dr. David Shormann of D.I.V.E. (Digital Interactive Video Education) and his review of Saxon Math 4th edition programs, we will continue to recommend Saxon 3rd edition 7th -12th grade math programs. He believes the newer Saxon textbooks have strayed too far from John Saxon’s (1923-1996) original, tried and tested vision for teaching mathematics. The 4th edition was not written by John Saxon (who died in 1996), but by the current owners of Saxon Math. Dr. Shormann does not believe that 4th edition programs hold to the original, successful Saxon methodology. Therefore, D.I.V.E. will not be developing the instructional CDs we have come to appreciate for the 4th edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt assures us that for the time being they will continue to print the 3rd edition materials for the homeschool market. For these reasons My Father's World will continue to sell and recommend Saxon Math 3rd edition programs with the D.I.V.E CD for teaching instruction.

We hope this helps to answer your questions about our choice.

[Colleen]

Thank you Lucy. That completely answers my questions - even the ones I didn't ask, like are they going to keep printing the 3rd edition. Thanks again!