Singapore Math Method

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The Singapore Math Method is based on textbooks from the national curriculum of Singapore. Although sometimes presented as an innovative new method, they are based primarily on time-tested traditional mathematics instruction methods, and are written in English. They are frequently cited, in addition to Saxon math, as a good alternative to standards-based mathematics texts which frequently omit some or most standard arithmetic methods, or contain very little mathematical content despite very large textbooks and the need for expensive special retraining. Since most of the content is that which has been traditionally covered in elementary grades, even parents who have not completed high school, but have completed an elementary education, are likely to be familiar with the concepts. By contrast, many reform texts which follow NCTM recommendations cover topics such as algebra and statistics that even college educated parents or teachers may not be familiar with. ^[1]

[edit] Critics

To meet US standards, some have been supplemented for statistics, as they are not compliant with the NCTM standards. Pilot projects in 2004 resulted in much higher math test scores, but some were not adopted because it was not possible to add all of the NCTM standard topics and methods. Many have commented that Singapore is a nation that is not like that of the United States, and they do not have a commitment to education of all children at a high level, although Singapore evidently does not believe that students from some groups are incapable of learning standard arithmetic methods, as is assumed by many standards-based texts.