Effects of Saxon Math program of instruction on the mathematics achievement of students with learning disabilities in grades 2 through 8

This quasi-experimental research study investigates the mathematics achievement of students with learning disabilities in grades 2 through 8 whose instruction is delivered through the Saxon Math program. The research study uses the populations of students with learning disabilities in mathematics in grades 2 through 6 in seven elementary schools and in grades 7 though 8 in five middle schools. Mathematics achievement of students with identified learning disabilities whose instruction is delivered with the Saxon Math program is compared with those not instructed with Saxon Math. The sample using the Saxon Math program totals 44 students in grades 2 through 8 with the control group totaling 58 in the same grade range. KeyMath Revised/Normative Update, a diagnostic mathematics assessment, is administered as the pretest and post-test to analyze the effectiveness of the Saxon Math program with the experimental and control groups. The major findings in this research study showed that the Saxon Math program significantly increased the mathematics achievement level of students with mathematics learning disabilities in grades 2 through 8 in the experimental group compared to the control group. The research also explores the relationship between the instructional strategies of Saxon Math and the learning needs of students with identified mathematics disabilities.