For math I give a review of whole numbers, either the Number Sense diagnostic test or my own whole number inventory which includes finding averages and other word problems. Then I can pinpoint specific skills that the student may need to work on. A higher level student may be given an inventory of decimal skills or multistep word problems. In addition to skill assessment, learning style preferences must be acknowledged. I do not formally assess learning styles, but students give clues as to their personal preferences.
Some students seek solitude and want only a minimum amount of input from the teacher.
Others need frequent verbal instruction to help them understand new concepts and to keep them focused. Some students are auditory learners and enjoy using audiotapes to enhance their reading or to learn multiplication tables. Each assignment, as it is completed and checked, provides an on-going informal assessment of the student 's understanding of specific skills. In addition to daily assignments, an occasional cumulative review is necessary to assess whether a student has retained those skills which were introduced earlier. I don 't do this as often as I should, but there is no substitute for keeping skills fresh in a student 's mind.