Math-U-See vs Teaching Textbooks

Math-U-See is a math curriculum with 13 levels, from introductory math through calculus, combining manipulatives, lesson videos, textbooks, and digital resources. Students work at their own pace and focus on mastering foundational concepts before moving to new topics. Its Build, Write, Say approach has learners model problems with manipulatives, write solutions, and explain why a concept works. An individual placement questionnaire uses yes-or-no questions and example problems to help identify a suitable level. The curriculum is used in homeschools, public and private schools, independent study programs, tutoring, and learning groups. With an Essential, Expanded, or Premium subscription, users can stream instructional videos and access an online manual and lesson solutions through a browser. The Digital Toolbox provides the first three lessons of each level and virtual manipulatives for concepts from number sense through Algebra 1. A free account offers samples across program levels, and a 14-day trial is listed. The Digital Manipulatives app is designed only for tablet use; the maker advises checking compatibility before purchase.

Teaching Textbooks provides digital math courses from Math 3 through Pre-Calculus for students and homeschool families. Course apps combine interactive lectures with step-by-step video solutions, then automatically grade student work and save it in a printable gradebook. Each app has a searchable eBook that parents can view or print through the Parent Portal, where they can also review grades, change student settings, pause enrollments, and access answer keys. Students can work offline for up to six lessons before reconnecting. A free trial covers the program through lesson 15, has no time limit, and carries completed grades into a purchased course. Enrollments provide one student with one grade level and 12 months of access, with 90 days of pause time; moving to another grade requires a new enrollment. Listed prices begin at $48.95, paid once for Math 3, Math 4, and Math 5, and reach $83.95, paid once for Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus. Apps are available for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and Kindle devices.