Would you like this course added to your child's academic packet? Send your request through Mavenlink. Be sure to mention the student, course number, and the quarter you wish to start the course.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Saxon Math 54. Five days a week, 45-55 minutes. To be taught all four quarters
COURSE NOTES
Four and five days weekly, about 10-20 minutes of math instruction, then 20 to 40 minutes of independent math practice, adding up to 45 to 55 minutes daily.
A very flexible math regimen that has proven effective for many of our families is to have the student work through 40 minutes of new material, on a timer, then have him checkmark his own errors using the answer key. (The student is young, so check his checkmarks, respectfully, Mom.) The next day he does all of his corrections first, working any problems that he can’t correct on his own with you on a good-sized white/chalk board, then works through 40 minutes of new material, then checkmarks his own errors, and so on. As you can see, math can take as little as forty minutes per day, or as long as an hour or more, depending on your student’s careful effort—the student controls the length of time he spends daily on math and is discouraged from doing rushed, shabby work. (Instruction time between teacher and student or DIVE/CD and student counts as part of the 40 timer-minutes. And there is a DVD presentation available; check Rainbow Resource for DIVE DVDs for the Saxon Math program.)
The goal grade is always 91% or above, before corrections, on quizzes before moving on to the next unit--“mastery” level rather than “performance” level. Be patient, supportive, and thorough.
If your student is new to the Saxon Math Program we recommend administering a placement test prior to ordering. Go to www.saxonhomeschool.com and click on the "Placement Tests" link on the left. To minimize distractions be sure to print the test out on clean, white paper with an ink cartridge that is not fading.
For reporting, report by lesson numbers, i.e. Saxon 54, Lessons 7 to 22. For a work sample, send a copy of the latest broad-based worksheet with the errors clearly marked and a grade noted at the top. (Remember, for work samples we need the questions or problems as well as the answers.)
(Consider trading out the Saxon math fact drill sheets for Calculadders MasterPak I drill sheets--much more appealing, much more focused, much broader in scope. See Rainbow Resource. This is the year to master multiplication and division math facts.)
Saxon Publishers; 3rd Pkg edition (April 30, 2004) This kit contains: . Student Textbook customized for homeschooling; 120 lessons, 627 pages, softcover . Tests and Worksheets contains 23 tests, recording forms and student worksheets. 283 pages, three-hole-punched, softcover. . Solutions Manual with step-by-step solutions to every lesson, investigation and test problem. Answers to supplemental and facts practice problems. 302 pages, softcover.
Preparatory Week A: Use this school week to gather the materials for this course and thoroughly read the book notes, course notes, and, if applicable, the weekly lesson plan in your St. Thomas Aquinas Academy curriculum guide.
WEEK B
Preparatory Week B: Use this school week to complete Preparatory Week A and explore the materials for this course. Flip through all of this course’s materials. Make mental notes about the design and organization the resources for the course (editor’s notes, table of contents, maps, charts, forms, appendices, glossaries, bibliographies, end notes, internet supports, etc.).
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
WEEK 10
WEEK 11
WEEK 12
WEEK 13
WEEK 14
WEEK 15
WEEK 16
WEEK C
Preparatory Week C: This is a bonus week. Use it for Semester 1 catch-up, corrections, review, assessment testing, standardized testing, or semester reporting.
WEEK D
Preparatory Week D: This is a second bonus week. Complete Preparatory Week C or begin the Semester 2 course plan.
WEEK 17
WEEK 18
WEEK 19
WEEK 20
WEEK 21
WEEK 22
WEEK 23
WEEK 24
[ ] Select a work sample from this quarter to submit in your semester reporting packet. See the sixteenth week of this semester for more details.
WEEK 25
WEEK 26
WEEK 27
WEEK 28
WEEK 29
WEEK 30
WEEK 31
WEEK 32
[ ] Select a work sample from this quarter to submit with your semester reporting packet. Your Semester 1 reporting packet should include work samples from Quarters 1 and 2 and is due before February 28. The Semester 2 packet should include work samples from Quarters 3 and 4 and is due before June 30.
We would love to hear from you! Please reach out with your questions by phone or email, schedule a courtesy telephone consultation with an advisor, or submit an enrollment application if you are ready to start planning for the upcoming school year.
We have all enjoyed the way STAA ties the courses together for the whole family.
Alyse M.
California
Thanks for all you do on your end to help make our homeschooling academically, intellectually, spiritually, and morally enriching!!
Denise
Michigan
My advisor helps me to understand what needs to be done and how to make it really fun for the kids. What I really like are the tips she gives me for dealing with the little ones while trying to school the older ones.
Amber
Texas
This is our first year homeschooling. STAA and [our advisor] have made this a very easy transition. We have had a great year!
Gwen H.
Kansas
I really don't know what I would do without your kindness, and very helpful advice. You are a blessing to our family.
Pat
Idaho
The assessment testing was quick and easy to do, so I didn't expect much valuable feedback. Boy was I wrong!!! It was like my advisor had met my kids and spent hours/days with them.
Mary Ellen
Maryland
We have been so very happy with our first year with STAA! Thank you for walking me through it and for all the fantastic resources and materials we are using. There is not one we don't like!
Elizabeth
California
Our family so enjoyed our wonderful relationship with STAA as our [son] worked his way through high school. It was a wonderful and outstanding experience for him and we continue to suggest your program to all those who are looking for an excellent homeschool experience.
Debra S.
Colorado
Since I am writing, I will also sing more praises of the Greek Studies plan. [My daughter] moaned over the timed-essay and then did very well. So easy to implement with the choose one reflection topic from each subject and then get ready, get set, go! Apparently the school also gave suggestions for the process essay in "Format Writing." Thank you! For a mom of many this is real time saver.
Alisa from Indiana
mother of 9th grade daughter and several STAA graduates
The academy works as a team to accomplish for your family specific ideas or needs for education, but more importantly, what each individual in your family needs, even Mom.
Anne
Illinois
God bless you for the job you are doing -- the peace you have helped us find as a family is priceless!
Cerita
Texas
We can’t imagine going without these wonderful, enhanced lesson plans! Thank you!
On the STAA Study Guides
Anonymous
I especially appreciate the advice and wise counsel I receive from the St. Thomas Aquinas Academy staff during our phone appointments and their understanding of my children's needs.
Stephen T.
Illinois
It is a thrill to receive the delightfully arranged weekly guidelines from STAA that keep us on track but allow for flexibility.
Dee Dee C.
Florida
I can honestly say that our children have blossomed into well rounded individuals because of your program.
