Many of my students received plenty of A's and B's and were unaware of their weak foundation. Teachers give frequent tests to enable them to compile a composite grade at the end of the term. Their high grades deceive them into thinking their learning is deep. Similarly, many of my students who are well on their way to deeper understanding score low at the time of the test, but their understanding is solid later in the term. Focusing only on a student's grades can give an incomplete picture and lead to unnecessary discouragement or complacency.
Fundamentals Are Fundamental.
The more solid this learning is, the more successful the student will be. Bridget was one of the few students I have worked with who did not need to reach for a calculator to do the simple arithmetic involved again and again in complex problems. Unlike most students, she also was readily able to work with fractions and factoring, essential parts of higher mathematics. Discover the Textbook. Math textbooks are gold mines.