 Paul Ziegler |
How it StartedPaul Ziegler started teaching mathematics in 1962. When he retired in 1990, he started tutoring homeschoolers. He was shocked to discover that they were using the very materials and approach that he had opposed for so many years in the public schools. He knew they had figured out that phonics was better than whole language for teaching reading and spelling. He knew they had figured out that the politically correct approach to geography and history was wrong as well. That is why Paul was so surprised when he saw homeschoolers using the failed material and methods of the government schools.
He thought he would find better textbooks than he had found in the public schools. He found the same illogical, random approach in the textbooks for the homeschool market that he had found in the public school textbooks. Paul also saw the same lack of comprehension of the basic system of mathematics in the home-educated students that he found in the students in public schools. While the home education groups understood the need for systematic phonics, the need for systematic mathematics seemed to have escaped them. It is frustrating to try to teach match in an unsystematic manner, and it is even more frustrating for the one who is trying to learn. |
 Ruth Oakes |
Systematic Mathematics TodaySystematic Mathematics is a family business providing quality math curriculum for homeschool families and anyone else seeking to improve their math skills. The growing business required more hands to keep it running, so Paul’s daughter, Ruth, and her family have taken over the ministry he began many years ago. This has also given Paul the opportunity to delve into other projects. Ruth and her husband homeschool their 4 children.
As fellow homeschoolers, they can relate to the joys, tears, failures, and triumphs that come with homeschooling. Their goal is to continue to offer hope and real help to those struggling and frustrated with math. |
