Saxon Math 87 Or Lifepac 7?

Question

I currently have the lifepac 7th grade kit, but he will have used saxon 65, 76, so would it be better to just try and get saxon 87 before going into saxon 1/2?

Answer 1

It sounds like you are currently using the Saxon math books, but if you are not, I HIGHLY recommend you use their placement test (see placement test link below).

Saxon used to recommend the following sequence:

Math 6/5

Math 7/6

Alg. 1/2 (OR Math 8/7)

Alg. 1

Math 8/7 was only recommended if a student was weak in basic arithmetic, as it had more arithmetic practice.

With the newer editions, they recommend the following sequence:

Math 6/5

Math 7/6

Math 8/7

(Alg. 1/2)

Alg. 1

With the newer Math 8/7 book, they have included more pre-algebra work, so the Alg. 1/2 is now only used if the student needs more of an intro to algebra before beginning Alg. 1.  They do recommend skipping Math 8/7 (and using Alg. 1/2 instead) for an accelerated math student (see recommended sequence link below).

From the Saxon website:

What do you recommend for students after they have completed Math 7/6?

The recommended path after finishing Math 7/6 is to take Math 8/7. If your child finishes Math 8/7 with at least 80% mastery, skip ahead to Algebra 1. In previous editions, many people skipped Math 8/7 because they found it to be a weaker text than Algebra ½. In the newer third edition, pre-algebra has been added to Math 8/7, making it a much stronger book.

Answer 2

Saxon 87 covers a lot I was going to skip it and I'm so glad i took it. I t covers review and algebra. It was very helpful. We were tested and the kids who took 87 scored higher then the kids who skipped and took algebra half.

Answer 3

I'd have to agree with the other posters. While Saxon 8/7 is theoretically an optional book, it contains a LOT of fabulous review material that will ensure you are completely ready for Algebra 1/2. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Given those two choices I'd have to say Saxon 8/7

However, 8/7 is an optional level, and if you have done the two previous books, you might actually be ready for Saxon Algebra 1/2.

Honestly though, what I'd go into is Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra.

http://www.teachingtextbooks.com