I have been a RightStart Math user and fan for about 6 years and have used it with multiple children. I notice SCM recommends it for elementary, and then in 6th grade, the recommendation is no longer RS……WHY>? In 6th, RS goes to Geometry (and we *strongly dislike* it. I am wondering fi there is a reason for the switch in endorsement.
IF and I mean IF, I switch from RS (just for her this year) what would be a good transition? And what type of math?
According to the free curriculum guide, it appears that RS is only suggested through 4th grade, with MUS as an alternative to be continued throughout the remaining years. MUS is the only math curriculum suggestion from 5th through 12th other than SCM’s business math resources….as far as I can tell on the fcg.
My suggestion, based on years of flip flopping with math curricula….if it’s working .
Oops. Meant to say….if it’s working, don’t switch to something else. If you do find something else is needed, explore your options then, or at least have some idea of what’s available in case you need to switch. Otherwise, just realize these are suggestions for consideration. Use what works for your child/family.
I am curious too, as I was planning that we would do RS geometry and SCM business math (on Fridays) before going to MUS. Since RS now has edition 2 going through level F, the new math guide will need revised. I agree with TaiorMade to do what works for the child though. We had to take a break from RS and are supplementing with LoF, so we will not get through all the math books on this guide, but I am hoping for a good thorough understanding of what we do get to.
Wing2fly, thanks for letting us know that RS will have a Level F. Looks like it will be available in 2017. Depending on what it covers, it could be a good candidate to add to those grades on the curriculum guide and continue recommending RS as an alternate to MUS. Doesn’t look like the Geometry is listed as a separate course in the 2nd edition; I wonder if it will be integrated as part of Levels F and G.
The main reason(s) RS and MUS are included in the curriculum guide is because those are what we have used and are familiar with. Since the RS books don’t go into the advanced math courses, the challenge for us is to find a good transition point. But I’m sure that whatever RS courses (or MUS courses) you want to use will be just fine. Both emphasize the Why behind the How. If your student understands that, you’ll be in a good spot.
Sonya, from what has been said from RightStart (in webinars, etc)
Edition 2 will have levels A-F, and then the student would continue with the Level G which is not going to be revised.
From their years of feedback, they have noted that many many homeschool families end up taking a year and a half for one or two of the levels, plus I think they added a bit more on a few things. (I think more problem solving, more metric, and some other things.
Thanks so much for the “insider scoop,” suzukimom! So it looks like once Level F is done, a person could use RS through Grade 6 or 7 and then just transition at the Algebra level. Does that look accurate?
Yes, that looks about right. Btw, I should mention that edition 2 has more changes then I mentioned – it has been rewritten and formatted -made easier for the parent, uses the manipulatives more, etc. This from someone who hasn’t used edition 2….
I also know that for the ‘older’ student who is not at the standard kind of level for their age, they do say that level G can be skipped – going straight from E (or 2nd ed F presumably) to algebra… although they do suggest it would be advantageous if the student could do it over time beside the algebra…. as they recommend Video-Text Algebra, I assume they would mean level A…
They are keeping the 1st edition as well, for those who do not want to change. I plan to stick to the 1st only because I already have lessons B to E and the worksheets cd for it. Someone coming to it new would likely go with the new edition, which does align with common core.
Yes, edition 1 will be available (supposedly forever – and as the “original” program is still available – now called their tutoring program – I believe it.)
Oh, I wish I had the worksheets CD (or all the ebooks) – I have to order a couple more worksheet books by the end of the month. (will probably buy the ebooks as needed…) – with 4 kids it makes sense – but we did a few levels with the regular books….)
And yes, edition 2 does fit common core – but for those worried about common core – edition 2 exceeds it, and they didn’t create edition 2 because of common core – it was already under development. They just made sure they exceeded it.
Edition 1 exceeds common core as well because RS was formed before common core. I found this out when I was researching it myself a few months ago. We purchased RS2 Level A and I will not, in the forseeable future, switch to anything else.
My dd loves math because of RS. I hightly reccomend RS. It is well worth the money. I just can’t say enough good things about it. It is thoroughly complete and the variety of manipulates is superb. They have wonderful customer service as well.
The new edition format is so enjoyable and I keep it CM-ish by watching a timer and my daughter’s cues of losing interest in that lesson. Like any subject, we just pick up right where we left off.
Mollie
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