saxon math : About Saxon & Works!

Saxon Math is the nation's best selling and most thoroughly researched skills-based mathematics program for grades K-12. Saxon's unique pedagogical approach, based on instruction, practice and assessment distributed across the grade level, incorporates 20 years of research and classroom experience. This same successful, classroom-tested approach is also applied to the popular Saxon Phonics and Spelling K-3, Phonics Intervention for older, struggling readers and early learning programs.

Saxon Publishers, founded in 1981, is an imprint of Harcourt Achieve. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Harcourt Achieve provides customer-driven educational materials that fundamentally and positively change the lives of young, adolescent, and adult learners and empower those who teach them. The company is also the publisher of the Rigby and Steck-Vaughn product lines
Saxon Works!
'Saxon Works!' is a phrase that is heard consistently in Saxon classrooms across the country. Saxon products and programs have a proven record of success in every type of setting - urban, suburban, rural, public, private, charter and parochial. The success of Saxon programs can be attributed to the program's unique, effective and research-based pedagogy, which helps students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and how to apply them. Saxon's innovative instructional approach breaks complex concepts into related increments, recognizing that smaller pieces of information are easier to teach and easier to learn. The instruction, practice and assessment of those increments are systematically distributed across a grade level. This distributed approach ensures that students gain and retain critical thinking skills.

©Harcourt Achieve. All Rights reserved

saxon math : About Saxon Math Books

Readers often write to ask for advice as they try to decide: which Saxon Math books to use; which specific books should be used for each specific school year; and where to purchase the hard-backed Saxon books (Saxon 54 – Calculus and Physics.)

The following are my personal opinions, developed while homeschooling our son using Saxon Math books 76 through physics; from discussions with other homeschooling parents; and during my decade of using Saxon Math books for special education students in public schools.

How do we know where to start our children in the sequence of Saxon Math books?

I make my decisions in two ways. First, at the Saxon website I print out the appropriate placement test and have the child take it as instructed. I then use the test results and accompanying suggestions to choose the book that should best meet the child’s needs.

Placement Test for Primary/K-3rd
Placement Test for Middle Grades/4th-8th
Placement Test for Algebra I
Placement Test for Algebra II
When the child begins working in the recommended book, I carefully observe the process to note if the book is a good fit for the child’s skill level. If the early lessons in the book prove to be too easy for the child, I change my plan, setting the book aside while I administer one test after another until the child scores less than 85–90%. At that point, I put the child back into the book – for the lessons covered by that specific test, and I begin instruction at that point. I remain attuned to the child, and flexible in my thinking, as I decide whether the child’s existing, and developing, skill base warrants slower or more rapid progress through each book.

by Linda Schrock Taylor

saxon math : Saxon Math K

Kit contains all the information you will need to teach kindergarten math concepts to a child. The scripted lessons provide language and techniques that have proven effective for teachers in a variety of settings. Concepts and skills in Math K include
counting by 1's, 5's, and 10's
acting out problems
finding answers for addition and subtraction stories using manipulatives
comparing and ordering numbers
identifying common shapes
covering and reproducing designs
measuring and comparing objectives
identifying halves
creating and reading graphs.
There are two parts to the programs: the Meeting and the Lesson. During the Meeting, your child will answer questions about the calendar and practice counting, patterning, telling time, and estimation. A new increment or skill is taught during the Lesson. The program is designed so 12 lessons are taught per month. (About three lessons per week). On the other two days of the week, repeat the Meeting from the day before and use the materials that you have used in previous lessons to practice the skills and concepts introduced. Buy the Saxon Math Manipulatives Kit, which includes an array of colorful, child-friendly teaching manipulatives.

by Saxon

saxon math : Why Now, Saxon?

Who is Harcourt Achieve?

Harcourt Achieve acquired Saxon Publishers in 2004. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Harcourt Achieve provides customer-driven educational materials that fundamentally and positively change the lives of young, adolescent, and adult learners and empower those who teach them. The company is also the publisher of the Rigby and Steck-Vaughn product lines.

I never thought I could ever be critical of Saxon Math, and frankly, had Saxon, Wang, et al, retained ownership of Saxon Publishers, I am confident that I would not have been presented with issues to which I take great exception; to terminology such as "provides customer-driven educational materials" that I find both foolish and frightening.

However, Saxon did make the regrettable decision to sell out to the Harcourt group, and now New-Saxon, its decisions, and its rewriting and restructuring of products, are fair game for close analysis and critical comments.

I am distressed to read that the order of the topics has been changed in the rewritten books already on the market, despite the red herring claim that the company values the incremental steps of the original Saxon books. I am frustrated to read that instead of instructing, the teacher will serve as "tutor and coach." This sounds too much like New-Math to those of us who mourn the loss of America's competitive edge in mathematics, and strongly disapprove of the crazy educational ideas coming out of universities and teacher training colleges – from the very people who should be more astute and analytical; from those who are being paid to know better.

I cannot help but feel sadness and great concern at the probable loss of the effective, efficient, incremental, building-block philosophies that John Saxon brought: to math instruction; to teachers and homeschooling parents wishing to teach lean, hard mathematical principles, concepts and applications while avoiding fuzzy, dumbed down fluff like leaf and stem problems; illogical sequencing of material; procedures that teachers, themselves, have difficulty internalizing, let alone teaching to others.

Progressive-minded teachers will feel fine about the very changes that we dread. If teachers are only required to wander the room as coaches, and encouraged to believe that uneducated children are capable of "constructing knowledge" then teachers will come off smelling like proverbial roses. When children fail to construct knowledge, as most certainly will occur, the blame will be put squarely on the innocent students and duped parents. Such teachers will absolve themselves of any guilt by recalling that they roamed the room as expected and so should not be found at fault just because few children bothered to ask question

by Linda Schrock Taylor

saxon math : Saxon Math and Time4Learning

Considering Saxon Math? Or are you already using the Saxon Math curriculum and wondering what to use with it? One of the hardest tasks facing homeschooling parents is selecting the right mix of materials for each child. The web is full of homeschool curriculum lists, homeschool material discussions, and homeschool resource reviews. Sifting through the various homeschool options can be confusing as parents try to find the best curriculum for their child.

Saxon Math
Parents like the "spiraling scope and sequence" provided by Saxon Math. In Saxon Math, children progress through a series of textbooks starting with Saxon K for kindergarten students, then progressing through Saxon 54, Saxon 65, and Saxon 76 in upper elementary school, into Saxon 87 and Algebra 1/2 in middle school, and finally into Saxon Algebra and Advanced Math in high school. A unique feature of Saxon Math is that Geometry is not taught as a separate subject but is integrated throughout the Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Advanced Mathematics Saxon textbooks.

The Saxon Math curriculum features ample practice and drill. The math curriculum is systematic and sequential, while continually reviewing previously learned concepts. Many children benefit from blending Saxon Math with a supplementary math curriculum of contrasting style, especially one that integrates fun with learning.

Saxon Publishers, a long-standing leader in homeschool curriculum, was acquired by Harcourt Achieve, a division of global education provider Harcourt, in 2004. Harcourt Achieve now publishes both Saxon Math and Saxon Phonics.

Finding the best homeschool curriculum
Many families discover that blending several homeschool programs and approaches is the best way to meet their children's educational needs, and that this eclectic approach increases effectiveness and optimizes learning. Time4Learning's experience shows that there is no single, best homeschool material. Rather than feeling torn between homeschool resources, parents should select a diverse blend of materials and activities.

Time4Learning works with Saxon Math
Each child has a unique learning style, and nearly all children respond well to online learning. Further, many children benefit from seeing a topic or concept presented in more than one way, which maximizes comprehension. Time4Learning's engaging, interactive style complements Saxon's textbook-based program and vice versa.

Many families find that using Time4Learning in conjunction with Saxon enhances their children's academic success. Time4Learning's interactive, self-paced instruction in math, language arts, reading, social studies and science can be used as either a core or supplemental curriculum.

Why use Time4Learning with Saxon Math
Time4Learning appeals to a wide range of learning styles. Our online learning materials are especially well-suited to children who are visual or kinesthetic learners. These children can take advantage of Time4Learning's interactive, multi-media materials.

Time4Learning is a new approach to homeschool. Our online learning materials take advantage of today's technology. It's a convenient, interactive homeschool resource that helps children from preschool through elementary and middle school.

Children like using the computer to learn. Time4Learning's homeschool curriculum engages and challenges children, letting them work at their own pace.

Parents like that it tracks progress and helps children advance by teaching with individualized learning paths that assure coverage of the skills, and that it clearly presents the concepts children need to succeed.

Use as much or as little as you need. Time4Learning's self-paced, modularized lesson plans allow you to move forward and back through the materials whenever you want. You can skip lessons that teach concepts your child has already mastered and repeat those he or she has not. The choice is yours. With Time4Learning, you are always in control.

Time4Learning is proven effective with homeschoolers, has a low monthly price, and provides a money-back guarantee so you can make sure that it works for your children, risk free! Sign up for Time4Learning as part of your overall homeschool curricula.

Sign up for Time4Learning and gain access to a variety of educational materials, which will engage and challenge your child to succeed. Make Time4Learning a part of your children's homeschool resources.

http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/saxon_math.shtml

saxon math ; School officials favor compromise on math programsThe days of an abacus to help children learn math may be over.

The days of an abacus to help children learn math may be over.
But New Milford parents, teachers and administrators agree a traditional approach is better to teach basic math principles in the early grades.
This year the school district piloted two new programs as well as continuing with the decade-old Everyday Math program. They polled parents and teachers to determine what worked best.
On Tuesday night, with an audience of about 25 New Milford teachers, parents, principals and administrators on hand, the Board of Education’s Committee on Learning voted unanimously to recommend to the full school board in June that the district adopt for next year what is essentially a compromise approach.

In kindergarten through second grade, teachers will use the Saxon Math materials in an effort to meet the district’s math goals.

In third grade, teachers will mix and match the Saxon and Everyday Math programs.

Between fourth and sixth grades, teachers will have a choice of programs depending on what students require. Assistant Schools Superintendent Tom Mulvihill explained that the Everyday Math program has been successful in helping children achieve higher-level math skills.
Its major weakness, he said, was related more to students’ early mastery of math facts and a lack of sequence for students who needed more repetition in learning a new concept.
High school students over the course of the last several years, however, have excelled in math, with 80 percent of the 40 or 50 students who take AP calculus earning top level test scores on placement tests. On both state and national levels, those figures are less than 20 percent.
In addition, Mr. Mulvihill said, while it might have once been that only 20 or so students would take an advanced placement calculus class, those figures are now more than double. So the Everyday Math program has contributed to students’ math success.
Board member David A. Lawson, a prime mover behind seeking a change in math programs, applauded the parents, teachers and administrators for their diligence in seeking an acceptable solution meant to improve math education for all students.
“It was a tremendous undertaking and something to be proud of,’’ Mr. Lawson said.
Fellow board member Julie Turk favored finding a single, traditional program but said she was willing to accept merging the two if it meant meeting state-mandated curriculum goals.
Board member Larry Stillman said he appreciates that there is now a program tailored to the needs of New Milford and added, “I don’t think you can ask for anything better than that.’’

By Nanci G. Hutson

saxon math : Saxon Math 1 Home Study Kit

Every school in the US that has used them has raised college board scores 20% and has tripled Calculus enrollment, has doubled Physics enrollment and has reduced the number of kids on the slow track by over 50%. The reason? Normal math books introduce a new concept with each chapter, then drop that topic as the next chapter goes on to something new. This week, it's multiplication; next week it is fractions, and I can't remember multiplication! In Saxon books, the concepts are practiced daily until they are fully automatic and math becomes easier and more enjoyable. I have used both the K and 1st grade and really find the Kindergarten program unnecessary. Buy the first grade program and move a little more slowly and you will save yourself a lot of money. Workbooks for grades 1-3 present a lesson on the front side of the page and a duplicate type lesson on the back side for added review, so you could file it away to use with your next child, if you like. The Home Study Kit contains workbooks, fact cards, teacher manual and meeting book. Teacher guidebooks are not absolutely essential for grade 1 and perhaps grade 2, although they are helpful. Homestudy Kit for grades 4 through 7 contain a paperback textbook, tests and worksheets, and a solution manual. The Complete Kits for the higher grades include a hardbound textbook, answer key and tests. Remember, the first 1/3 of every math book is review to help the children regain what they lost over the summer, so if you just keep plugging away steadily at it daily, your children will be proficient in math and enjoy it. I started my son Ammon at age 4 in the Math 1 (most 4 year olds will do fine at this level). Now he is 14 years old, and finishing Algebra 2. At this rate, a child could be finished with Saxon Physics by age 16!

http://www.lovetolearn.net/catalog/group/detail/Saxon_Math/0

saxon math : Math textbook selection

You will find people who praise John Saxon as the savior of mathematics
eductation, and others see him as the Devil incarnate. The man I knew was
somewhere in between those extremes. Whether the Saxon texts are right for
your school depends on what you want your students to learn. If you are a
proponent of Core based knowledge, you may find it very pleasing because it
practices the concepts of continuous review and "overlearning", a deep
mastery of algorithmic process. If on the other hand you believe in lots of
group activities with long term projects with very open-ended learning goals,
this may not be for you.

I could give you my personal opinion about the books, but that would not
give you a wide range of opinions to draw from, so instead, let me suggest
that you search the Math-teach news group archives with the key word "saxon".
You'll get more than you can read, some with VERY strong opinions on each
side.

From: Pat Ballew

saxon math : Saxon Math Information

Saxon math textbooks are great. I have used them in high school and the students have retained more information than ever. The books will not allow a child to forget any previously learned skills because the textbook reinforces these skills with every assignment.
I am currently in college and I am majoring in mathematics with an emphasis is secondary education and I know that I would love to have Saxon textbooks in my classroom. These are the best mathematics textbooks ever written. In other math texts, an area is taught and the students never see again in the text unless that skills is necessary for the next skill being taught. With, Saxon every skill that the student is taught seems to be important because the students will have to know it from the beginning of the class until the end. I cannot express how great I think that Saxon textbooks are and I would highly recommend them in every math class in America.

Posted by: Venisha Johnson

saxon math : Changes in Mathematics Curriculum

Due to an organized effort to meet the educational needs of Georgia youth, the state is in the midst of a major change in K-12 curriculum. That change has culminated in the state’s adoption of The Georgia Performance Standards which are the result of much work and solid educational decisions. Performance standards are designed to provide greater depth than the content of the previous curriculum. These standards provide clear expectations for assessment, instruction and student work. We view these changes as a positive move forward for the students of our system and the state.

Probably no other content area will experience a more drastic change than that of mathematics. This is especially true for systems such as Cartersville City who have been using SAXON math and those using similar programs. While SAXON math has served many students well in our system over the last several years, the implementation of the new Georgia Performance Standards is not fully supported by this particular series in its current format. The same is true with several currently adopted texts used in the state. Therefore, appropriate steps have been taken to address these changes. Student testing will be based upon the Performance Standards and we all want our students to be successful on those assessments as well as in mastering the content.

The sequencing of the SAXON program includes practice on previously presented skills and concepts, but is not aligned with the new math standards. Therefore, when teaching a grade level of the performance standards, teachers will need to use several resources. This may include using more than one “level” of SAXON materials. A textbook is not and cannot be the curriculum. The textbook is only one tool to be used, not the sole tool, in teaching the standards. Challenging content cannot be defined as “the next SAXON level” or the next math level. It will involve depth of knowledge and understanding as well as the ability to apply the new knowledge in many other situations. The performance standards are premised upon application…what can you do with the information.

Implementation of the new math standards began fall 2005. Sixth grade math is the first affected by these changes. Although we will still use SAXON materials, which may include several textbooks from the SAXON series, students may utilize other math resources as well. Students should not be considered as taking a particular level of SAXON such as SAXON 65, SAXON 76, or SAXON 87. They are in 6th grade math and have the responsibility to master all of the performance standards at that grade level.

In the 2006-07 school year, a new state math adoption will recommend books that are closely aligned with the standards. The Cartersville City Schools along with school systems throughout the state will evaluate those books and resources and will select appropriate ones for implementation during the 2007-08 school year. In the meantime, we will supplement and pull from other math resource materials that support instruction in the performance standards.

This is not ‘new math,’ but a new way of thinking about how we sequence students through our math program, assess their progress, and prepare them for the future. The Georgia Performance Standards are designed to provide an increased opportunity for students to advance in the area of mathematics. The implementation of these standards will prepare students for math courses at the high school and college level, as well as the required assessments at each grade level.

© 2003 Cartersville City Schools

saxon math : Saxon Publishers

It was not an easy decision for Timberdoodle to carry Saxon math. While Saxon curriculum seems to be the best curriculum to prepare a student for college entrance exams and college level, this is a program that we have kept away from for many reasons. First and foremost, in the nearly 18 years we have sold home education supplies we have heard countless stories of moms, particularly home school neophytes, demanding that their children solve every problem in the text, a process that requires most children a couple hours a day to accomplish. The end result in many cases is a daily battlefield between mom and child. Now, obviously, we are dealing here with bigger issues than math, but because many teaching moms were afraid to deviate from the prescribed formula, we hesitated to supply them with the ammunition. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, most moms couldn't figure out how to help their children to solve the math problems. Say what you will about Saxon's incremental learning, it is a rare mom who has the time to keep pace with her child. So, feeling like this program is a time bomb waiting to go off, until this year, we have shied away from carrying Saxon math. Many of you have suggested that we needed to offer upper-level math for college-bound children, but we just couldn't get excited about selling it. With the introduction of Digital Interactive Video Education, now we can.

Copyright 2005 Timberdoodle Co

saxon math : a new math learning system

Introductory Comments regarding the Value of Systematic Numerical Systems

The source for most of these comments in this paragraph and the two following paragraphs is Professor Brian Butterworth抯 book, WHAT COUNTS, How Every Brain Is Hardwired for Math. There is scientific evidence that human infants and many other mammals [and birds] have the innate ability to recognize numbers up to three or four. Human infants also seem to be aware of expected changes after one member is added or subtracted to a small group when that activity takes place behind a screen.

Some primitive tribes do not count past a number value of 3 or 4. Other primitive tribes count up to about 30 by using the names of specific body parts to stand for specific numbers. They have only very limited ability to manipulate numbers, however. When these primitives are taught how to use Hindu Arabic numerals, they rapidly attain the ability to carry out standard operations such as adding and subtracting large numbers; multiplying and dividing numbers. That is, they become much more numerically empowered

Similarly, although there is no evidence that the human of today is any more intelligent than the human of 1000 years ago, most Europeans in the middle Ages and before were virtually without the ability to use numbers. When they did, they relied on scholars who were more numerate and/or they used tables or used counting boards or an abacus. Then the outcome of those calculations was recorded in Roman numerals.

These facts suggest that even though the capability to handle sophisticated math concepts exists in the brain, unless the symbolic language tools useful for handling numbers are available to the person, the ability to utilize that portion of the brain cannot be nearly fully realized.

Thus, not all cultures provide the same kinds of conceptual mathematical tools. If that is true, then in a manner and analogous to the old statement about a carpenter only being as good as his tools, a person in a culture that fails to provide a proper conceptual tools may remain innumerate or nearly so.

It is my unproven belief that by learning a symbolic system substantially different from the one that the person learned from youth, understandings about mathematical operations can be enhanced. It might also be true that certain people who cannot manage Hindu Arabic numbers could learn some simpler system and use it.

Funforms is such a system. It is a tally-mark, place-order, geometrically progressive binary system. It consists simply of lines perpendicular to one another and specific points where those tally marks can appear [or be omitted] (spaces). Funforms was designed to be as simple as possible. It is not arbitrary in design, like Hindu Arabic numbers. Funforms is iconic and ideographic. It is easily learned because the rules are minimal.

Posted by: Joel Steinberg

saxon math : Saxon Math Information

Saxon math textbooks are great. I have used them in high school and the students have retained more information than ever. The books will not allow a child to forget any previously learned skills because the textbook reinforces these skills with every assignment.
I am currently in college and I am majoring in mathematics with an emphasis is secondary education and I know that I would love to have Saxon textbooks in my classroom. These are the best mathematics textbooks ever written. In other math texts, an area is taught and the students never see again in the text unless that skills is necessary for the next skill being taught. With, Saxon every skill that the student is taught seems to be important because the students will have to know it from the beginning of the class until the end. I cannot express how great I think that Saxon textbooks are and I would highly recommend them in every math class in America.

Posted by: Venisha Johnson

saxon math : Shikellamy school board mulls budget for building maintenance

The Shikellamy school board took a second look at its budget Tuesday night, specifically in regard to its separate budgets for schools and maintenance.

Daniel Saxton, director of facilities, presented his budget, which is about 10 percent more than last year.

"We have reached a point that requires an increase in allocation in order to maintain functionality of our buildings," Mr. Saxton said. "During the past eight to 10 years, that portion of the maintenance budget designated for actual maintenance and repair has been drastically reduced."

He added that all buildings are in need of roof work and infrastructure upgrades and repairs.

He also included a wish list of capital improvements, including upgrades in wiring in the high school auditorium at $12,500, roof repairs and playground resurfacing at the Sunbury Middle School for $30,000 and more roof repairs at the C.W. Rice Middle School and the Beck Elementary School for $65,000.

Other maintenance items raised some eyebrows. Mr. Saxton budgeted $1,750 for inspections and maintenance to the gymnasium's bleachers, work that has been done at the high school for years.

"They're not even a year old, and we're going to pay stinkin' $1,750 for them?" board vice president Terry Marshall asked. Other budget items were $5,975 for mop service and $15,550 for lawn care.

The district's principals brought the board up to speed on textbooks to be purchased for the 2006-07 school year.

Fifth-graders and middle school pupils will receive the latest edition of Saxon math. Students at the high school will receive the latest editions of biology (in English and Spanish), civics and accounting. The total cost for the textbooks is nearly $73,000.

The principals assured Mr. Ross that there will be enough textbooks for every student in every subject.

"My most important thing is that we have ... the most up-to-date textbooks and the adequate amount of textbooks that we need for the children," he said.

The districtwide budget stands at about $32.9 million and is $372,491 away from being balanced. The budget is up more than 4 percent from last year and includes a 1-mill tax increase for debt service.

Major expenditures stem from a 28 percent increase in the district's contribution to the Susq-Cyber Charter School, a 21 percent increase in the district's contribution to the SUN Area Career & Technology Center and a 41 percent increase in the district's retirement contribution.

By Amanda Keister
The Daily Item

saxon math: Homeschooling offers many choices

Leslie Valeska has a degree in teaching and experience working as an educator.

"But that training was almost a detriment to homeschooling," said Valeska, who homeschools her four children.

Instead, she has found many resources to help with the homeschooling process, and appreciates the flexibility that it gives her and her children.

Many families now choose to teach their children at home rather than send them to public schools. Some homeschool for religious reasons. Some find their children need special attention. And some feel that homeschooled children learn better and are better adjusted.


A popular choice

Homeschooling has grown in popularity. According to the Florida Department of Education, during the 2004-05 school year, Sarasota County had 763 children in 550 families registered as homeschoolers, while Charlotte had 320 home-taught children in 253 families. Statewide, more than 50,000 children in 35,000 families are learning at home.

The availability of curricula, books and other materials has also grown. The Florida Parent-Educators Association has on its Web site a booklet, "Guide to Homeschooling," that includes lists of vendors with curricula, textbooks and more.

Others have turned to stores such as A+ School Supply, 787 Tamiami Trial in Port Charlotte. Manager Alexis Thompson said, "We carry a full array of homeschooling supplies. We have all the popular curricula such as the Saxon Math series and Wordly Wise vocabulary books." Thompson said that A+ subscribes to a distributor of homeschooling materials and specializes in such supplies.

Thompson practices what she preaches: She homeschools her own daughter, as she did her elder child, who graduated last year.

Some homeschoolers believe that their children are sought out by colleges because they are skilled at independent study. Kathy Walker, a spokeswoman for Manatee Community College, noted that the college does not seek out or keep separate records on homeschooled children, but encourages them to apply.

"We don't have to do any outreach to homeschoolers," Walker said. "They already have a good word-of-mouth network on their own. But we do welcome them in our dual-enrollment program."

Last fall, MCC had 58 high school students in dual enrollment, and this spring there are 72. Some of these are homeschoolers, although MCC does not track them separately.

Dual enrollment is available for high school students and allows them to take college-level courses.


State requirements

Homeschooling does not mean families can just decide on whatever they want to learn. Homeschoolers must meet specific standards and use an acceptable curriculum.

Florida law defines these requirements. Steps that homeschooling families must follow include:

* Send a notice to the school district for each child you intend to homeschool, including name, age and birth date.

* Maintain a portfolio of records of each child's schooling. There are many ways to do this, and several aids you can buy, but the key thing is to make an accurate and detailed record of what your child is learning.

* Make the portfolio available for the school district to inspect upon request.

* Submit an annual evaluation for each child to the school district. The evaluation may be by a certified teacher, a recognized student achievement test, a state student assessment test, a psychological evaluation or another agreed-upon method.

* Preserve each child's portfolio for two years.

By SUSAN E. HOFFMAN

saxon math; Educators Blend Divergent Schools of Thought

In the first year of the YES College Preparatory School, community service was as important as reading, writing and mathematics. The public charter school's name stands for Youth Engaged in Service, and its mostly low-income students moved through city neighborhoods like young social workers, practicing their academic skills by collecting information on bus routes, health clinics and many other real-world topics.
"The kids loved it. It was great," said Chris Barbic, who was in his twenties when he started the school in 1995. "But there were huge gaps in what they knew. The kids could tell you the intricacy of transportation systems in Houston, but a lot of them didn't know who George Washington was."

Barbic then read the works of University of Virginia education and humanities professor E.D. Hirsch Jr., who recommended a Core Knowledge learning program -- full of history, literature, art and science. "That changed my life," Barbic said. "I went from what we had to content, content, content, content."

A decade later, Barbic said he has finally found the middle. He said he knows that progressives -- with their focus on real-life experiences -- and traditionalists -- with their focus on the three R's -- have been fighting for a century over how to teach reading, math and just about everything else. But he is part of a group of educators who say combining the two teaching methods is the way to produce the very best schools.

"We see lots of people blending these approaches," said Martin J. Blank, staff director of the coalition for community schools at the Institute for Educational Leadership in the District. Students become involved in community projects, and those experiences are used "to teach core subjects such as writing, math and science, and to improve reading," he said.

The James Irvine Foundation recently announced the creation of ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, as part of an effort to expand work-based learning programs that integrate high-level academics.

Several new inner-city schools, such as YES, have lengthened their day to eight or nine hours and are using the extra time to incorporate progressive and traditional methods that many educators have thought to be antagonistic to each other.

At KIPP SHINE Prep, a charter elementary school here, Principal Aaron Brenner is using the traditionalist Saxon math textbooks and the progressive Everyday Math textbooks series and finds 90 percent of his kindergartners are doing first-grade work. "We are able to address the different learning styles and brain functions of our large and diverse group of students," he said.

Some educators on both sides of the old debate say they think the marriage of opposites will fail or produce schools that compromise away their best parts.

"If we want kids to be deep thinkers, then why blend an educational model that features deep thinking with one that's focused on memorizing a list of facts?" asked Alfie Kohn, an author, lecturer and leading proponent of progressive educational philosopher John Dewey. Dewey and his followers are often called constructivists because they want students to construct their knowledge and skills through exploration of their lives and their environment.

Karen Budd, a mathematician and parent activist in Fairfax County who is opposed to Dewey's views, said she shares Kohn's doubt that the two sides can be joined. "Rich content with lots of constructivism mixed in is like saying we are going to let the free markets work, but we are going to mix in collectivism," she said.

By Jay Mathews

saxon math ; Tools for Reading

To encourage reluctant readers to read, and to make reading more comfortable and enticing for just about anyone, provide useful tools for the job at hand. Two of the most important of these are: proper lighting, and some way to position one's book for maximum comfort – both for the eyes and for the body.

I am always on the lookout for such items, and these are some I have found most useful. Book holders are indispensable for putting print at an angle that will facilitate reading, especially for those who wear bifocals. They are also especially helpful to children whose hands are often too small for most books. I never realized the extent of the stress upon eyes and neck caused by reading a book opened flat upon a table. Furthermore, I have long suffered from fingers and hands that ached after long hours of holding books, and of holding them open. I discovered that the comfort that comes from reading a held, inclined book is greater than I had expected.

It is easy to turn the pages of a book resting on the folding, wooden holder, so I use it when I am reading rapidly and while studying and/or researching. I also use it as I teach, keeping the Saxon math book open and handy, freeing my hands to work problems on the overhead projector or chalkboard. David used this one extensively when homeschooling for it allowed him to more easily read and refer to various parts of a book…flipping pages in search of information…while writing on paper placed in front of the holder.

The blue metal holder is indeed a blessing for it is designed so that the reader can adjust the angle of the book. The page holders can be flipped down to facilitate page turning; the felt glued on the bottom keeps the rack from sliding; the rubber at the base keeps the book from slipping. The design is such that it can hold quite a large book without tipping or toppling. One of the best features of this rack is that it folds to pack in a briefcase or luggage. Unfortunately, these are now very difficult to find. I purchased this one from Levenger, so maybe a few calls to the company would encourage them to again carry this item.

The small wire racks fold flat and are much more sturdy than I had expected them to be. They can hold up to medium sized books, but one must lift the book a bit, although not remove it fully, in order to turn pages. This restrictive feature makes the holder not as reader friendly, but it works well for a book that needs to be kept open at a given spot. I purchased several of these and my students especially like them for math. The book stays open to the page of homework problems, while the child easily changes focus between the page and the homework paper. I paid $5 each for these and I found them at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The small red item is a page holder and very handy, as well. It is a small plastic dome with a groove for the sheet of paper. It is filled with sand to give it weight and stability. They are available in most office supply stores and the price is usually around $5.

However, as handy and useful as book holders are, the items that will contribute to the most pages being read for the least amount of money invested, especially for children, are clip-on lights. These handy lights come in all shapes and sizes and clip right onto the book. Look for one with a neck that is tall enough to allow pages to be turned without removing the light. If the head of the lamp swivels, teach the child to simply lift and lower the light. The act of turning the head while putting it away eventually twists and breaks the wires going to the bulb.

We keep a clip-on light in the storage areas of every vehicle. We like to read whenever possible, and car rides provide such time. It is bothersome to forget to bring a book, but it is downright disturbing to have night fall, and darkness put an end to reading that might have continued for hours. Clip-on lights solve that problem. Most take 4 AA batteries, and we pack extras for each trip. We also keep one or two clip-ons in the living room for times when poor lighting is preferred for movie viewing, but someone would rather read.

One day we drove one of my high school students, a former non-reader, to Detroit. Robert had been asked to speak before a group of teachers at a workshop being put on by an author who had befriended him. Afterwards we took him to King's bookstore, a place we like so much that we have even driven the 3 ½ hours to Detroit for the sole purpose of shopping there. Robert, much to his own surprise, found some books that interested him and we bought those for him.


The drive home was long, and darkness came. David and I were reading, as usual. After a bit Robert asked, "Would you have another book light?" I did not, but I was thrilled to give mine to him. I enjoyed spending the remaining time revisiting memories of the steps Robert and I had taken together to bring him to that day – a day when he could borrow a book light so he could read in the dark, during a long drive home from what was, for both of us, a very exciting day.

We never had "lights out" time at our home, for I remember too well the many frustrating nights when I, at the most interesting part of a book, would be forced to put it aside. David had a bedtime, but he was allowed to read as late as he wished. Many times I noticed the light on until wee hours. We had an agreement: we never complained about the light; he never complained about being tired after a night of late reading. Those wonderful opportunities of childhood – when we almost crawl inside a great book to enjoy every page – are best taken advantage of when we are young enough to bounce out of bed the next morning!

Let the kids read until wee hours! Their minds will be all the better for it, and their sleep will be all the more restful without the frustration of having had to put down a good book at an inopportune time.

Lastly, but also serving a very worthwhile purpose, are bookends. I felt the thrill of book ownership when I was given my first set, glass horse heads. I arranged and rearranged my precious although small collection of books. My brother was given bookends with globes that turned on each, and he found those marvelous, as well. Now I have many that are "apples for the teacher" and I keep Murray Rothbard's books between halves of a heavy oak Corinthian column. Bookends make wonderful gifts – from parents and grandparents, for birthdays and other events. They are items that will provide wonderful returns on the initial investments.

When I taught in a rural school district near Maquoketa, Iowa, the librarian there arranged for every child in the school to be given a brand new book each year. The philosophy held that every child should have the opportunity to feel the pride that book ownership gives. The goal was for children to become more interested in school; in scholarship; in achievement.

It worked. One year the student I served in that district was given a thick book on photography. That turned him on to reading, and he not only learned to read better, he graduated from high school with very good grades; won the Council for Exceptional Children state level award; and went on to graduate with a business degree from the University of Iowa.

Gift children with books and help them build fine personal libraries, but also give some of these tools and so make their reading easier, or just more fun!

by Linda Schrock Taylor

saxon math ; School officials favor compromise on math programs

The days of an abacus to help children learn math may be over.
But New Milford parents, teachers and administrators agree a traditional approach is better to teach basic math principles in the early grades.
This year the school district piloted two new programs as well as continuing with the decade-old Everyday Math program. They polled parents and teachers to determine what worked best.
On Tuesday night, with an audience of about 25 New Milford teachers, parents, principals and administrators on hand, the Board of Education’s Committee on Learning voted unanimously to recommend to the full school board in June that the district adopt for next year what is essentially a compromise approach.

In kindergarten through second grade, teachers will use the Saxon Math materials in an effort to meet the district’s math goals.

In third grade, teachers will mix and match the Saxon and Everyday Math programs.

Between fourth and sixth grades, teachers will have a choice of programs depending on what students require.
Assistant Schools Superintendent Tom Mulvihill explained that the Everyday Math program has been successful in helping children achieve higher-level math skills.
Its major weakness, he said, was related more to students’ early mastery of math facts and a lack of sequence for students who needed more repetition in learning a new concept.
High school students over the course of the last several years, however, have excelled in math, with 80 percent of the 40 or 50 students who take AP calculus earning top level test scores on placement tests. On both state and national levels, those figures are less than 20 percent.
In addition, Mr. Mulvihill said, while it might have once been that only 20 or so students would take an advanced placement calculus class, those figures are now more than double. So the Everyday Math program has contributed to students’ math success.
Board member David A. Lawson, a prime mover behind seeking a change in math programs, applauded the parents, teachers and administrators for their diligence in seeking an acceptable solution meant to improve math education for all students.
“It was a tremendous undertaking and something to be proud of,’’ Mr. Lawson said.
Fellow board member Julie Turk favored finding a single, traditional program but said she was willing to accept merging the two if it meant meeting state-mandated curriculum goals.
Board member Larry Stillman said he appreciates that there is now a program tailored to the needs of New Milford and added, “I don’t think you can ask for anything better than that.’’

By Nanci G. Hutson

Saxon math :What do Math Professors Say

Saxon Math is generally held in such high regard by the homeschooling community that I seldom open my "mouth" to offer a dissenting opinion. However, if the day and mood are right I will venture forth with my "heresy." Today is such a day...

Before retirement, my father was the Dean of Instruction at a community college in a community that shifted their high school math instruction to Saxon. The teachers in his math department were UNANIMOUS in their observations that the Saxon math program did not deliver students capable of performing well in higher math. In fact my father, who resolutely keeps his nose out of my curriculum decisions (even when asked), went out of his way to make sure that I did not use Saxon math. I was surprised at his firm resolve in this issue and over the years have questioned him at length regarding the distaste his math faculty had for Saxon and looked at program in detail.

Our hypothesis is this. Saxon's emphasis on drill and repetition allows a student to perform well within a concept; thus, the results on standardized testing are good. Saxon does not adequately emphasize problem solving and certainly not problem solving that requires creatively moving from one concept to another or thinking "outside the box." This is precisely the sort of skill necessary to excel in higher mathematics.

As for Kindergarten....I was going to use Saxon anyway because I figured that perhaps the effects would not be profound at such an early level. My father reminded me that math is a skill that builds on a firm foundation and that whatever the flaws were in the Saxon program, they would be evident in the lower levels as well. So I use Scott-Foresman and supplement with drill as necessary.

From: Tracy in TX

saxon math : Saxon Math Books

Mathematics is a key element in early education. Not only is mathematics the language of science, mathematics also teaches mental discipline and rigorous rational reasoning.
The Robinson Curriculum uses Saxon math books and a unique study method that markedly enhances their effectiveness and the student's progress.

Everything required for 12 years of home-education is on these 22 CD-ROMs with the exception of nine Saxon math books - starting with Saxon 54 and extending through Saxon Calculus. A coupon allowing purchase of these books at a 20% discount from the ordinary retail price comes with each set of 22 CDs. Each student usually finishes these books by age 14 to 16, so about one book per year is needed, depending on the student's individual rate of progress. (Ed. To know where to start older children, you can click here to find the free Saxon Math placement exams.)

The curriculum is not divided by "grade" levels. Each student simply moves up a seamless road of knowledge at whatever rate of progress his abilities and study habits permit. We omit grade levels because they have become a means by which student achievement is normed to public school academic levels. These schools have, however, fallen very far behind the academic levels that were common even in the public schools of earlier generations. Children should not be deprived of the chance for a superb education by subjecting them to the failed standards of public schools.

Copyright 2006 © Arnold Jagt

Saxon math: Superb Educational Results

From phonics to physics, these 22 CDs and a set of Saxon math books are all that you need to give your children a superior education. You can use this curriculum to supplement your children's current schooling or as a stand-alone education using the included self-study methods.
The Robinson children teach themselves (as do the 60,000 children now using this system) ­ so well that their 11th and 12th grade work is equivalent to high quality 1st and 2nd year university instruction in science, history, literature, and general education.

They also teach themselves study habits that do not depend upon planned workbooks, teacher interaction, and other aids that will not be available later in life.

They teach themselves to think.

Many home schools are limited by the burden of teaching that is placed on parents. Dr. Robinson has spent less than 15 minutes per day teaching all six children ­ ages 6 through 18. Yet, both of his oldest students scored over 1400 on the SAT (over 1500 on the new SAT) and received two years of advanced placement in college. The younger children are doing as well.

Teach your children to teach themselves and to acquire superior knowledge as did many of America's most outstanding citizens in the days before socialism in education.

Give children access to a good study environment and the best books in the English language and then ­ get out of their way! All Curriculum books may be viewed on the computer screen and printed with included software.

This unique curriculum will save you hours of teaching time each day and will give your students an opportunity to develop superior knowledge and life-long study habits.

One caution ­ do not use this curriculum unless you are willing for your children to be academically more learned than you.

Copyright 2006 © Arnold Jagt

Saxon Math: Browse Saxon Math materials

Saxon is probably the best-selling math program among homeschoolers. It takes an incremental (little by little) approach to math, introducing a new skill or principle each day, then reviewing these concepts and skills day after day for weeks.

Saxon's approach helps build students' confidence in their ability to "do" math successfully. Students who have used this program receive consistently high scores on standardized math tests.

The early elementary program includes and requires a lot of manipulative activities; indeed, it cannot be done without the appropriate manipulatives. It also includes lots of teacher's help in the form of instructions concerning exactly what to say and what to do. Saxon Publishers does not provide the necessary manipulatives for its early elementary program. Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd., as a service to our customers, has put together manipulative kits that include all the necessary manipulatives.

The Saxon Math homeschool kits for K through 8/7 include everything you will need to teach one child. All books are softbound, black and white, and can be used with additional or successive students with purchase of additional consumable tests/worksheets.

The Saxon Math Home Study Kits for Algebra 1/2 and higher include hardback student books, answer keys to the homework problems, and a series of examinations with answers. Student books are hardback, black and white, about 400 pp, and non-consumable. Answer keys and tests are paperback. Tests are consumable.

Unless you were -- and still are -- an absolute whiz in algebra, you will find the Saxon Home Study Kits inadequate from Algebra 1/2 up. You truly need the solutions manuals that document how to acquire the answers.... (I speak from experience! I tried to do without. It was no fun...and I was an algebra whiz in high school.)

Note that it is not by choice that we "force" you to purchase the answer keys and test packets in addition to the solutions manuals in the upper grades. Saxon Publishers will not sell the student text by itself to homeschoolers. You must buy the full home study kit, including answer key and tests; then Saxon will permit you to purchase the solution manual as well.

My daughter HATES math. She would rather be tarred and feathered than to sit down and do her math. Yesterday we started her math program with Saxon and the DIVE CD. After two lessons, she was BEGGING me if she could go ahead and do a few more! Unbelievable!



©2006 Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Sonlight Curriculum is a registered trademark of Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd.

Saxon Math: Facts vs. Rumors

Aim . . . fire . . . ready! What's going on here? Why are some home schoolers sniping at the best math program ever made available to home schoolers? Why do some homeschool magazines refuse to accept ads from its publisher, or even mention the program's name?

I'm talking about the famous Saxon Math program, developed by former Air Force officer and high-school math instructor John Saxon. In spite of test after test showing that the use of Saxon Math increases algebra enrollment by up to 400 percent, and that Saxon Math students radically outperform students using other math programs, Mr. Saxon has been fighting an uphill battle to get his program used in the public schools. Opposed by leftist groups such as NOW, on the grounds that his books fail to promote feminism, political correctness, and the New World Order, Saxon was delighted to find out about the homeschooling movement. Surely home schoolers would appreciate his books for what they are -- excellent and witty math teaching devices!

Then came the pie in the face. A few home schoolers took it upon themselves to start circulating letters condemning the Saxon texts as "New Age" and urging others to boycott them.

By Mary Pride
The original letter writers had a point, though they certainly weren't taking the best way to express it. The original Saxon texts had a light sprinkling of references to demons, poltergeists, and other unpleasant spiritual beings. The reason for this is simple -- John Saxon, not being either a fundamentalist Christian or a New Ager, does not believe in such beings. He thought they were harmless "fairy tale" creatures that he could use to spice up his problems. When confronted with letters and calls from Christians who objected to these terms, he promptly cleaned up his books (see sidebar "Saxon Speaks Out").

You would now expect that everyone would be happy. However, some individuals are still writing and circulating letters urging their fellow Christians to shun Saxon.

What are the letter writers objecting to now?

The occasional use of words such as hoyden and ribald.
References to medieval life. One letter writer, for example, after having read a book about the occult game "Dungeons and Dragons," concluded that any mention of medieval occupations or weaponry anywhere is a sneaky plot to entwine readers in the occult.
Bogeymen. Occasional references to fairies and gnomes. The letter writers have magnified this to make it sound like the Saxon texts are absolutely riddled with adoring references to occult beings.
Naturally I was concerned when I heard about this. So I pulled my Saxon math texts off the shelf and read through every word problem in the current editions. Here is what I discovered:
Saxon is very moralistic. Unlike every other math text on the market, his books use pejorative terms about sins such as cheating, boastful behavior, laziness, and so forth. Students may have to look up the words to find out what Saxon's talking about (that's the whole point, as he's trying to improve their vocabularies), but after they do, they will have a clear sense that this math text at least condemns certain behavior as wrong. If this isn't Christian, take me out and shoot me!
Saxon attempts to spark interest in other school subjects, such as history and chemistry. He does this by frequent allusions to historic, literary, and scientific subjects. An ignorant reader who believes all Greek names, for example, must be those of heathen gods could conceivably get bent out of shape over the constant mention of names he does not recognize. Especially if he isn't willing to take the trouble of consulting the encyclopedia.
The references to fairies, etc. are not only few and far between (some books don't have any), but are inevitably irreverent. No true New Ager would get any comfort from the picture of the fairy queen counting toadstools while arranging seating for the fairy convention. It sounds too much like Saxon doesn't believe in these beings!
______________________________________
Q. If the math book had over 120 chapters,
each with over 29 problems, plus an
additional 200-plus problems in the back,
and if only 10 of the problems were
questionable, what percent of the
problems were questionable? -- MP
______________________________________


You, of course, are the best judge of what kind of materials you want to use in your family. So you can make an informed choice, we have printed every single questionable problem from the current edition of the Saxon books at the end of this article (see Saxon Problems article). I have included every problem anyone could possibly object to. So now, if you are interested in the Saxon Math approach, you have the following choices:
Buy the books and use them as is.
Buy the books and use any problems you consider questionable to teach your children the truth about fairies, magicians, etc.
Buy the books and use a Magic Marker (oops, I meant a felt-tipped marker!) to delete the problems you don't like. Use the list in the next columns to quickly locate any problems you would rather live without. We have provided problem set numbers so you can immediately go right to these problems without having to scan the whole book yourself.
______________________________________
Q.If it took the anxious mother 30 seconds
apiece to locate and delete each
questionable problem, how many minutes
in all would this take the anxious mother?
______________________________________

One last thought: John Saxon will be eventually producing yet another edition of his books. He has told me he is open to hearing about what kinds of problems you would like to see in his books. Consider this an invitation to share your good ideas for character-building problems.

Saxon math: Saxon Works

Saxon Publishers commitment to education, and to the belief that all students have a right to be educated, is reflected in its mission to ensure access to instructional materials with proven records of success. Saxon's focus is on results, both tangible and intangible. Saxon's tangible results can be seen in improving test scores and the intangible results include those 'light-bulb moments' when a student realizes they are able to comprehend a concept. It is this devotion to creating these results that drives us every day.
Math: Primary Grades K-4
Start your students off the right way in math with a clearly designed, hands-on program already proven by thousands of schools across the country.
Math: Middle Grades 4-8
Saxon Math for Middle Grades provides a structured series of levels to guide your students successfully from lower grades to high school algebra and advanced mathematics.
Math: Upper Grades 9-12
Saxon's upper grades mathematics series is fully integrated, covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, secondary-level precalculus, and mathematical analysis

©Harcourt Achieve. All Rights reserved

Geneva

At Geneva Lab, we are motivated by the clear passion to hear music as recording artists intended. In a single stunning wood cabinet, Geneva embodies many capabilities. It’s pure digital design with advanced patented technology as used by the professionals who win Grammies and Oscars for their audio creations and strive to make them as easy to use as possible.

Contemporary
Geneva is shaped for the way we live today. Home stereo has not kept pace with advances in digital music and contemporary lifestyle. Space is at a premium. Simplicity and style are the alternatives to the clutter of complicated technology. The multi-component concept of home stereo has not changed in many decades while in a few short years tens of millions of people have simplified entire music collections onto tiny hard drives. In a single cabinet the Geneva Sound System offers direct playback of hard drive music while also offering built in capabilities for CDs (with a built-in slot drive), FM radio, and line-in turntables, TV audio, computers and even game consoles.

Sound & Performance
At Geneva, we are passionate about music. The Geneva Sound System reproduces sound as the recording artist meant it to be heard. To achieve this, our acoustic engineers engage professional musicians, music producers and the best digital audio technology to re-create a true studio sounding system that is also incredibly easy to live with. It delivers the subtle ranges of a small quartet at delicate volumes or it can power an entire house party with the XL model’s 600 watts of amplification.

Simplicity
Slip a CD or an iPod into Geneva Sound System’s piano-lacquered wood cabinet. Then grip the remote control and prepare to be astonished at the simplicity and power of this system. The Geneva Sound System is Made For iPod and you can just easily fit your iPod® video, iPod photo, iPod mini or iPod nano into the built-in Universal Dock. . All audio file formats on CD (MP3, etc) play in the CD slot. Other line-out portable MP3 players including the iPod shuffle connect to Geneva’s line-in port, as do other audio sources such as computers, turntables, TVs. There is a built-in FM radio that, like the other functions, is easily controlled by Geneva’s stylish remote.

Finally, Real Stereo
For a half-century we’ve lived with complicated, multi-component stereos that are less than beautiful. These outmoded systems require the speakers and the listener to be precisely aligned, which is practically impossible. The listener is always too close to one or another speaker to hear true stereo. Geneva solves the problems of clutter, cables, complication and positioning. The Geneva Sound System has two channels – the definition of stereo – in one solid box. Using advanced patented algorithms it digitally adapts the left and right sound signals. The sound is always perfectly balanced and totally embraces the listener in any position with a full sound stage of 120°.

?Copyright 2006 Geneva Lab 1-877-GENEVA9 | Our Privacy Policy | Press

Home Theatre in a Box S-Video Five-Channel Speaker

Monster's Home Theatre connection kits feature cables as high quality as the system's they connect. Monster's advanced technologies and high quality design deliver the best possible picture and sound.

Features include:

Monster's Color-Coding Makes Life Easy, Eliminating Hookup Guesswork
With all the connections you need for home theatre it's easy to end up frustrated with a tangled mess of cables. That's why Monster developed a unique color-coded cable ID system that allows you to easily hook up everything once, the right way. Just pop in your favorite DVD, grab some popcorn and enjoy!

Monster S-Video: High Quality Video Connection for Home Theatre
If your home theatre system and TV don't feature highest quality component video, the next best performance choice is S-video.

S-video is available on most home theatres and newer TVs, but unfortunately, the S-video cable is not included with many all-in-one home theatre systems. Monster S-video separates brightness and color signals for a sharper, brighter picture than the ordinary composite RCA video cables that come free in the box.

Monster Speaker Cable Delivers Greater Power Transfer and Simplifies Hookup
The ordinary speaker wires that come free in the box can't deliver the power your speakers need for high quality home theatre sound. And, when you're hooking up five or more home theatre speakers with look-alike wires, getting every connection right can be a confusing chore.

Monster Home Theatre speaker cables have three times more copper content than ordinary cables. They transfer all the power your home theatre speakers need to deliver every nuance of sound from your favorite movies. And, each cable is color-coded for simple, error-free speaker hookup

© Academic Superstore LP. All Rights Reserved

Basic Rules of Roulette

Round and round it goes. Where it stops, nobody knows. Not even the seasoned veteran. That's right, it's time for Roulette. You won't find a simpler game. Your only decision is how much and where to place your bets. Of course, the choices seem almost endless. The numbers on the Roulette wheel consist of 1-36, plus 0 and 00, for a grand total of 38. See the Roulette wheel diagram to determine which number is on which color.

The Basics

First, buy Roulette chips from the Dealer. Even if you have leftover chips from Pai Gow or Blackjack, you'll need Roulette chips. With several Players throwing chips around, you want to make sure that the Dealer identifies you with a specific color chip. He also will make sure that your chip is worth the amount you paid for them. Once you're done playing at that table, make sure you cash your roulette chips in at the same table. If you walk away, no one will know the true value of your chips.

Now that you've bought your Roulette chips, place them down where you think the ball will land. You can place an inside bet or an outside bet.

Inside Bets
One number - Chip is placed on one specific number.
Two numbers - Chip is placed on a line between two numbers.
Three numbers - Chip is placed on the outside line of the row of three numbers.
Four numbers - Chip is placed on the corner connecting four numbers.
Five numbers - Chip is placed on the line connecting the 0, 00, 1, 2, 3. This is the only five-number bet on the roulette table.
Six numbers - Chip is placed on the outside line of two rows of three numbers.

Outside Bets

Dozens - Chip is placed on the box marked 1st 12, 2nd 12 or 3rd 12. The winning number must hit within the dozen range of your bet. 0 and 00 would be losing numbers.
Columns - Chip is placed at the bottom of the long column of numbers. The winning number must hit within the column of your bet. 0 and 00 would be losing numbers.
Red or Black - Chip is placed on the box marked Red or Black, referring to the background of the winning number. 0 and 00 would be losing numbers.
Odd or Even - Chip is placed on the box marked Odd or Even, referring to the winning number. 0 and 00 would be losing numbers. 1-18 or 19-36 - Chip is placed on the box marked 1-18 or 19-36. The winning number must hit within the range of your bet. 0 and 00 would be losing numbers.

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The Sampler Plate

Doc's Motorworks. An inviting spot to enjoy the day or the food, whichever brings you to South Congress, Doc's plies diners on its large patio with burgers and platters, many with a Mexican theme. The fried fish tacos are tasty, as are the fried jalapeños and queso. Forks up. Cheap. 1123 S. Congress Ave. 448-9181.

CHINESE

Pao's Mandarin House. Just the fragrant impression of a delectable dish is worth the ride to Lakeway when it comes to Pao's and its three-cup chicken, with chunks of dark meat nestled with sliced mushrooms in a spicy brown sauce flavored with basil. The spicy shredded Mandarin beef deserves a trip, too. Forks up. Cheap/moderate. 2300 Lohmans Spur, No. 134. 263-8869.

Shanghai River. Several dishes on the vegetarian side of the lunch buffet — stir-fried spinach in ginger sauce, sautéed mushrooms with snow peas, eggplant with zucchini in a slightly sweet brown sauce and tofu in black bean sauce — were delicious. Skip the General Tso's, sesame chicken and other dishes that don't hold up on the steam table. Forks sideways. Cheap. 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 419. 458-9598.

SUSHI

Kenichi. A beautiful place — from the setting to the sushi. At this offspring of the Aspen restaurant, the strong points were the sushi (the Kenichi special roll of tuna, snow crab, cucumber, avocado and masago) and appetizers (the shiitake negimaki was tender beef rolled around mushrooms and green onions, and the miso soup was the best in town). Expensive. 419 Colorado St. 320-8883.



THAI

Madam Mam's. A good spot for lunch, with food arriving quickly. Enjoyable dishes included the chicken pad Thai (noodles stir-fried with chicken and spices) and the guay teaw nuer sod (a flavorful beef soup). Forks up. Cheap. 2514 Guadalupe St. 472-8306.

Satay. Worth singling out for its fresh and lively approach to Thai cuisine. Satay was one of Austin's pioneers in the expanding Asian field when it opened in 1987. Highlights include the chicken satay, Pad Siam (a shrimp and bean thread dish) and Tiger Cry, grilled flank steak in a highly zesty vinaigrette. Moderate. 3202 W. Anderson Lane. 467-6731.

By Dale Rice

The Red Sea Riviera has something for everyone

Famous for its endless sandy beaches, scenic mountains and rich coral reefs, the Red Sea Riviera provides an exquisite destination for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, Africa, the Red Sea Riviera consists of a number of resort cities lying on the western shore of the Gulf of Aqaba and along the eastern shore of mainland Egypt, south of the Gulf of Suez. Choose from any of the listed popular destinations and enjoy your vacation with Pel Tours this season! Sharm El-Sheikh Nestled between the calm shores of the Red Sea and the national park of Ras Mohammed, Sharm el-Sheikh is the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula. For many visitors, the most striking scenery of this region is underwater in the colourful reefs encircling the peninsula. At this most extraordinary diving destination, you can snorkel or dive into an underwater playground of shipwrecks, coral gardens and azure-blue waters.

A multiplicity of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars lend Sharm El-Sheikh a cosmopolitan character. Naama Bay, with its hotels and diving centres, is the main tourist spot, while the resorts of Ras Um Sid, Ras Nasrani, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay are also popular. Local excursions include diving courses and trips, desert safaris, and trips to Mount Sinai and the St Catherine's Monastery.

Sharm El-Sheikh also offers great diving trips at the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park, which offers spectacular views of marine life and corals as well as shipwrecks for divers of all standards. Dahab Dahab, the Arabic word for gold, truly describes its sun-bathed beaches, which are a combination of soft sand, gorgeous blue water, and a luxuriant strip of palm trees spread all over. Almost 5 miles from town is the famous diving centre - Blue Hole. Towards the Israeli border is the Island of Coral, where the crusaders built a fort and the remains of which can still be seen.

Dahab has grown from a bustling village to an ideal retreat for holidaymakers and divers, wanting to escape from the chaos of everyday life. A 90-minute drive north of Sharm El-Sheikh, this holiday destination is an ideal resort for beginners and advanced divers, providing both shores and boat diving.

Assalah, the most developed part of Dahab, is an assortment of palm trees, campgrounds, shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants that lie along the shore of Ghazala Bay. This Bedouin village has a distinctly bohemian feel, and has some of the most spectacular, unspoiled and pristine dive sites off the Sinai peninsula. Hurghada

One of Egypt's foremost resorts, Hurghada has some of the finest underwater corals in the world surrounding the shoreline, making the area a haven for divers and holidaymakers alike. Diving in Hurghada is an excellent experience, and it is an ideal location for advanced divers and those wishing to further their technical diving skills. From tiny nudibranchs to giant whale sharks, this area has it all for a perfect Red Sea diving holiday: hard and soft coral, turtles and dolphins, mantas and moray eels, napoleons and tuna, and much more, including the wreck graveyard at Sha'ab Abu Nuhas. Other activities include para-sailing, viewing the multi-coloured sea life from glass bottom boats, and deep-sea fishing.

Hurghada offers a wide variety of international cuisine and is famous for its excellent fish restaurants. During the night, this city comes alive with bustling bars, restaurants and clubs, and attracts a younger clientele, although revelers of all ages certainly won't feel out of place. El Gouna Built on small islands and surrounded by lagoons and the Red Sea ,, El Gouna is a complete holiday destination offering all the amenities required for a relaxing holiday. This resort city offers great shopping, health treatments, and an excellent selection of restaurants, bars, clubs, beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands -- all within a 30-minute drive north of Hurghada.

In El Gouna, you can enjoy an unparalleled underwater paradise, travel through the desert, or take a hot-air balloon to experience some of the most beautiful scenery Egypt has to offer. It also has beautiful reefs with a good combination of hard and soft corals.

The city has three beautiful Red Sea beaches: Mangroovy, Zeytoona and Marina Beach. Although they do not have much underwater vegetation, these beaches are very beautiful, and swimming in them is a great experience. El Quseir To the south of Hurghada lies El Quesir --a remote, un-commercialised coastal resort. Treasured for its peaceful location, it has become popular among holiday makers keen to experience the historical charm of Egypt yet relish in its slow pace. Inhabited since ancient times, this resort was an important commercial port in Roman times and later again as part of the spice route from India to Britain. It was also an important stopover in the pilgrimage from Egypt to Mecca. The ancient port still remains north of the town, and an Ottoman fort has also been recently restored.

Nuweiba Nuweiba is a perfect destination for people looking for a quiet resort away from the main tourist areas. It is a small, peaceful area, situated on the shores of the Red Sea , giving easy access to the whole length of the Sinai coastline. This resort offers wonderful golden sandy secluded beaches and coves, stunning mountain scenery and a relaxed way of life. Nuweiba is an ideal place to learn to dive - with beautiful coral reefs and gardens teeming with life. The area is a haven for photographers as the cerulean waters allow them to focus on the smaller species such as multi-coloured nudibranches. If you are lucky, you may encounter one of the several types of seahorse varieties when diving. Taba and Taba Heights

Overlooking Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia, Taba is a paradise for active holidaymakers and outdoor types who enjoy the diving, surfing, sailing and catamarans, as well as walking or motorbike tours in the mountains. Recently, this city has experienced a growth spurt on its coastline and is now home to a number of leading hotel chains that have built luxurious resort hotels around a new luxurious resort called Taba Heights , which is 15km south of the border. Once completed, Taba Heights is expected to have 20 hotels, an 18-hole US Championship level golf course, a casino, a marina, as well as a full range of activities and water sports.


Darren Panto sales & marketing Peltours - the UK's leading tour operator to Egypt and the Red Sea. For more information on Taba Heights and the major resorts of the area visit http://www.peltours.com/tabaheights/index.html Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Egypt holiday search visit http://www.peltours.com.

by Darren Panto