[ High School and Self-Education Board ]
Posted by Donna in AL on 12:26 May 10
In Reply to: Question for those using Teaching Textbooks this year.... posted by Krystal
While TT does not have a unit of word problems like some texts, it does have at least one word problem per lesson. 120+ over the course of a year. This is both Alg1 & Alg 2 course.
The problems are "real life problems"...and show them how to apply the concepts they are learning.
I like the fact that when my kids do not understand a word problem they can plug in the cd. Sure many programs have the step by step answer key, but the difference is that not only do they see the power point step by step, but they hear the audible explanation of why a problem is set up and solved a certain way.
As for comparision....I have compared Saxon 1 and TT Alg 1 side by side. They cover the same material.
We have heard criticism that some items covered at the end of Saxon 2 are not in TT Alg 2. When questioned, the author has taken the stand that these were "traditionally" taught in Trig. He saw no reason to include them in Alg 2 and has intentionally left included them in Trig for those taking advanced math. These are not subjects needed for SAT/ACT testing or Chemistry.
Someone else could tell you specifically what topics. I am not really concerned, so have not kept up with the specifics.
You may be able to find those topics listed at the Apologia site ....as I believe Dr. Wiles may have been the one to initially question TT as not being "rigorous enough" because of this.
While we use and like Apologia...and respect Dr. Wile's view...I am not worried about these few skills.
We have tried Saxon. AND I have tutored a child taking Saxon using our TT text, btw. We did not like Saxon!
We are sticking with TT (Geometry next). My kids enjoy their math now. AND my youngest is excited to be doing the PreA next year, because her siblings speak so highly of their math program.