by The Link Staff

›››Indiana University High School Diploma Program Approved for CITA Accreditation
›››Saxon: A Proven Math Teaching Method

Indiana University High School Diploma Program Approved for CITA Accreditation

by Irene Fox

Indiana University High School has been approved for accreditation by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation.

Administered by the IU School of Continuing Studies, IUHS is a diploma program that students can complete entirely at a distance. Since its establishment in 1999, it has graduated more than 160 students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious colleges and universities. More than 1,200 students are currently active in the program.

CITA is an accrediting authority both in the United States and throughout the world. It is the alliance of the premier U.S. accrediting associations. These associations are responsible for evaluating and accrediting more than 30,000 schools in 100 countries.
“Accreditation demonstrates that we are providing a quality and enriching learning environment for our students,” stated Bruce Colston, director of the IUHS diploma program. We are proud to have earned CITA accreditation, which is recognized across the country and world and which eases the transfer of credits as students move from accredited school to accredited school and on to higher education.”

To maintain accreditation, IUHS must continue to meet the quality standards and engage in an improvement process that enhances student performance. Interim reports are required as part of a five-year accreditation cycle.

The IUHS diploma program is also fully accredited by the North Central Association.

Learn more about the diploma program online at http://scs.indiana.edu, or call 800-334-1011 or 812-855-2292. ■

Saxon: A Proven Math Teaching Method

by Mott Nolley

Over the past three decades, homeschooling has changed a great deal, becoming the nation’s fastest-growing educational alternative. The growth of the homeschooling movement can be seen in the abundance of homeschooling Web sites, the numerous options for purchasing curriculum, and the many new faces at homeschooling conferences across the country. And wherever homeschooling is discussed, you’re almost certain to hear about Saxon Math.
Saxon has played a key role in helping homeschoolers succeed in math. Its connection with the homeschooling movement comes from its unique history and effective teaching method. It has become the most popular homeschool math program, thanks to the innovative methods of John Saxon, who, nearly 30 years ago, decided to develop an alternative to the way students learn math.

How did Saxon begin?
John Saxon was teaching algebra at a junior college in Oklahoma when he discovered that his students were neither comprehending nor retaining the algebra they were being taught. What started as writing out some problems for his class became a highly- successful algebra program. In 1979 Saxon Algebra was published in two texts for the junior college level. He continued to write and adapt his work into a text for high school algebra students and enlisted several high school teachers to try his manuscript with their students. They too, were successful using the program.

In October, 1980, his high school text Algebra 1, An Incremental Approach became a reality. In 1981 Saxon recruited 20 teachers to try his method of teaching. Approximately 1400 students were involved in the test. At the end of the school term, Saxon students were able to solve 2.6 problems for every one problem solved by students in regular classes.

By 1986, four books were available from Saxon Publishers: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 1/2, and Advanced Mathematics. By 1993 the company had published 13 books and programs for students in kindergarten through high school, including a calculus and physics text. In 1996 Saxon extended its unique philosophy to language instruction, introducing Phonics K–2, followed in 1999 by Phonics Intervention, a program designed especially for older non-readers.

How will Saxon work for your child?
Throughout the years, homeschoolers keep coming back to Saxon because of its unique teaching method and its ease of use. Saxon Math is built on the principles of incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessment. Because Saxon Homeschool uses the spiral method, concepts are broken down into small, easy-to-understand pieces and are presented in lessons throughout the school year. Students review their work daily through worksheets and practice problems. Over time, what has been learned through incremental development and review is assimilated and eventually mastered by the student.

With Saxon, parents know they are using a math program that will see their children all the way through high school, offering support the entire way. For grades K–3, the teacher manuals contain scripted lessons, providing the language and questioning strategies that maximize student learning. A convenient manipulatives kit includes colorful aids to accelerate understanding of abstract math concepts.
In the middle grades, students should begin to acquire independent learning skills and self-sufficiency. Saxon Homeschool kits for grades 4–7 transition students from concrete manipulatives to mathematical modeling and problem solving using paper and pencil. The Solutions Manual contains step-by-step solutions to all problems, and Investigations deepen understanding by examining math topics in depth.

Saxon’s upper grades series is designed to give your student the preparation he or she needs to study math at the college level, perform well on college entrance exams (such as the ACT and SAT), and embark on a lifetime of learning and using math. From Algebra to Calculus, Saxon gives students the support they need with thorough explanations and step-by-step solutions, while allowing them to work at their own pace and according to their own learning style.
For all grade levels, Saxon Homeschool offers free math tutorials by e-mail. Free additional practice is also available at www.saxonhomeschool.com.

Saxon’s proven teaching method has fostered math confidence for a generation of homeschoolers. With a complete line of math products designed for the changing needs of students, Saxon Homeschool puts math mastery within reach of every learner.■