What to look for in a highly successful math program

Just like reading, math instruction is most effective when it works from the foundation up. That means students must first be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide - without a calculator. Only then can they move on to other mathematical functions. Just as readers must have mastered phonics to understand large reading passages, students must be proficient in basic arithmetic before they can tackle tougher mathematical concepts.

Traditional math advocates caution consumers about buzz phrases such as a "higher-order thinking," "conceptual understanding," and "solving problems," says Mathematically Correct, an organization of parents, educators, mathematicians and others dismayed by the poor state of math instruction in the United States. "It neglects the systematic mastery of the fundamental building blocks necessary for success in any of these areas … they shun things like algorithms and repeated practice." The following programs have one thing in common: they stress teaching the basics, without calculators, and their lessons build logically on concepts already taught.

CER's Mathematics "Best Bets"

Saxon Math

Description: Though Saxon's reading program is also on the list, it is in math that the company made its name. Actually, the name comes from the company's founder, John Saxon, who in 1979 started publishing textbooks designed to teach new math concepts while constantly reinforcing old. That constant reinforcement is the hallmark of the Saxon curriculum, as is producing textbooks that focus on skills, not pretty pictures, calculator use, or group work.

Publisher: Saxon Publishers, Harcourt Achieve

Grades: K-12

Web Site: http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com

Progress in Mathematics

Description: In the late '90s, the state of California came to a realization: its math scores were awful, and it needed new standards. In 1999 it adopted rigorous new standards that aimed to have every child prepared to learn algebra by the eighth grade. Of course, new standards required new curricula capable of meeting them. One of the best is Progress in Mathematics, which in a comparison available from Mathematically Correct, even beat Saxon in several areas. Where it especially stood out was in its mathematical reasoning content.

Publisher: Sadlier-Oxford

Grades: K-6

Web Site: http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/math/index.cfm

Singapore Math

Description: In 1995, eighth-graders in the tiny nation of Singapore finished first in the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS). In 1999 they repeated the feat. In contrast, the U.S. finished in the middle of the pack both times. Clearly they're doing something right in Singapore - they're stressing fundamentals to an extent not seen in U.S. programs. Singapore math starts by introducing first-graders to counting using blocks and pictures; teaches second grade students multiplication and division; and, by fourth grade, students are learning simple algebra. Most importantly, Singapore Math focuses on quick, mental calculations - students don't even see a calculator until the seventh grade.

Publisher: Various, but there is at least one easily accessible distributor of Singaporean textbooks in the U.S.

Grades: K-12

Web Site: http://www.singaporemath.com/