Scott Foresman Math Curriculum - Strengths and Weaknesses

Scott Foresman Math is published by Pearson Education, Inc, the world's leading elementary educational publisher. Originally published for use in public school classrooms, Scott Foresman Math curriculum is designed after the "no child left behind" policy, giving every child a chance to learn and understand math concepts and calculations.
Based on feedback from parents and teachers who have used Scott Foresman Math, here are some strengths and weaknesses of the program.

1. Strengths:
   
2. Student instruction on every page with clearly stated goals and objectives.
3. Chapter tests and cumulative reviews allow you to assess student progress, and sections labeled "reteaching" and "more practice" provide opportunities for struggling students. You can also purchase additional practice and problem solving workbooks if students need even more help.
4. Workbooks give plenty of opportunity for review/drill.
5. Connects reading and writing to problem solving.
6. Designed to reach all types of learners.
7. Lots of standardized test prep.
8. Simplified teacher's manuals.
9. Helps develop critical thinking skills.
10. Colorful graphics help keep kids interested.
11. Emphasis on practical application and real life situations.

1. Weaknesses:
   
2. Tries to blend reform math with traditional math by teaching fuzzy/new math strategies alongside traditional math strategies.
3. Emphasizes using calculators to solve problems.
4. Above average math students will find the slow pace of the lessons boring.
5. Pages are cluttered with graphics and text. Some students may find this distracting.
6. Includes cultural, scientific, and historical information that has nothing to do with math. Completely out of context and politically correct to a fault.
7. Presents multiple methods of solving problems and leaves the confused student to make up his or her own mind as to which method they would like to use to solve the problems.
8. No emphasis on memorization of math fundamentals (like times tables).
9. Answer keys are sold in separate booklets.

1. Recommendations:
   
2. Supplement with drills and rote memorization.
3. Adjust the curriculum to fit the needs of your student. Speed up or slow down as needed.
4. If you are overwhelmed with the amount of material, cut out the extra student workbooks and just use the basic program.

Scott Foresman Math is one of many math curriculums available to homeschoolers. Like any math curriculum, it has pros and cons. It is up to each homeschooler or teacher to decide whether or not this curriculum will work well with their students.