Hear! Hear!

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Home : 2004 : February : 29

Hear! Hear!
By Diana M., 6th grade Indiana

I so agree with your last statement. I have been teaching in a district that teaches math with the Saxon program--all scripted and very good with regards to the overall skills and vocab introduced and spiraled. However,
I have also taught the Saxon Phonics which is very detailed and very explanatory, but requires TOO much time to implement everything.
One program I strongly dislike--Shurley Method of English. It is too boring and lacks any creativity to teach. Also, this is one program that a substitute cannot come in and teach; therefore, you lose a day's instruction each time you're out of the room.
What

is happening to education when we're told that the best programs are the scripted ones because they force the teachers to teach "what is important". What is important to some isn't always important to others, right? Plus, I am simply getting tired of "reciting" words, distributing worksheets, and not having any fun with the programs.

Sorry, so long, but I guess I had to get this off my chest. Maybe it's because our principal has flat out told our 5th and 6th grade math teachers that Saxon will be adopted period. No looking at anything else. It so happens that both of these teachers don't agree with the current Saxon program as the most effective and have to supplement it or change it drastically to make it a good program.