Tutor profile: Katherine C.

Is math fluency a necessity?

I firmly believe that computational fluency, or the ability to quickly and accurately compute the answer to a given number sentence, is a cornerstone of math success and a precursor to being able to efficiently solve challenging multistep word problems. Being able to quickly and easily recall the answers to basic facts is one piece of this process.

Do you believe a child can learn to read without explicit instruction in phonics?

Research has shown, that while "explicit phonics instruction" is the most effective, it is not required for a child to learn to read. However, explicit phonics instruction is the single most effective approach when it comes to reading instruction. Obviously, many students can learn to read without such instruction; however, it is not only the at-risk students who achieve greater success under a phonics regime – so do those in the average and below-average reading groups (those who do OK but do not excel).

How well do students, in the classroom, need to know vocabulary words found in text?

Students do not either know or not know words. Rather, they know and can use words in varying degrees. There are three levels of word knowledge: 1) the word in UNKNOWN to them, meaning they have never seen nor heard the word. 2) The may have seen and/or heard a word but they do not know exactly what the word means nor can they describe what the word is representing. 3) The last and final level, students are familiar and can use the word fluently in their speech and writing, These three levels are identified as: 1) Unknown 2) Acquainted 3) Established