Fluency Factory Overview

We are an after-school tutoring center that uses the clearest, most advanced approach to teaching that is available.  We work one to one with each student to individualize their learning program, so we can serve a variety of different student needs, from beginning reader to advanced high school student.

The Fluency Factory is a Precision Teaching learning center. We use a graphic tool called the Standard Celeration Chart to ensure that our students are learning.  This chart changes learning curves to straight lines. Both student and tutor can see at a glance how they are progressing.  This direct communication about learning makes the Factory very different from other educational programs.

Precision Teaching relies upon frequent measurement to be sure that students are rapidly learning new skills.  We aim for both accuracy and speed in all of the skills we teach.  For example, we teach all students up to grade 5 to read aloud at 150 words-per-minute or above, and all older students to read aloud at 200 wpm or greater.

We help every child to reach these standards because only by achieving fluent performances will they have a useful, durable skill.  Moreover, these automatic skills build confidence and make it far easier to acquire advanced skills in all topic areas.

Reading

We use a variety of different reading materials to help students become skilled readers.  Our primary reading materials are Michael Maloney's Teach Your Children to Read Well series.  This series uses a thoughtful and well planned phonics-based design, and incorporates fluency standards for reading single sounds, words, and passages.  We supplement this series with other resources, notably Haughton Learning Center and Whimbey materials.  We also use CyberSlate materials to ensure that students can rapidly decode and read "nonsense" words and other challenging constructs, thus providing excellent preparation for advanced reading.

Mathematics

We build computation skill through practice, with the goal of reaching 60 to 80 answers per minute for math foundation skills.  We use a variety of instructional materials to teach new math skills, including interactive software, word problems, and advanced problem solving and comprehension.

Standardized Test Preparation

We know how important standardized tests can be, and so we have developed a rigorous program of instruction and preparation for standardized tests at both the high school and middle school level.  Result: After receiving instruction at the Fluency Factory, our students have been extremely successful in taking these tests.

Composition

We use several Arthur Whimbey texts, including Keys to Quick Writing Skills and How to Analyze, Organize and Write Effectively to teach advanced composition and thinking skills.  These texts are challenging and are available only to fluent readers who are working toward better comprehension skills or preparing for advanced studies.  We also teach the Quick Write Process, created by Michael Maloney, which helps students to plan and write compositions more quickly and effortlessly.

Writing Component Skills

We use a number of Precision Teaching resources to help students master the mechanics of writing.  By building each student's ability to rapidly write letters and numbers we can greatly reduce the amount of time that it takes them to complete school or homework assignments.  Moreover, parents and students alike have noted that their workload becomes lighter through student mastery of these key foundation skills.

Group Sessions

We provide group spelling sessions using the Morphographic Spelling materials that have been so successful with our students.  Most of the students agree about the program.  It is not very exciting, but it is very effective!

We have three groups:  One for 4th and 5th graders, a second for middle-schoolers, and a third for high school students.

Parent Teaching Resources & Support

We offer Michael Maloney's Teach Your Children to Read Well series.  This series of books provides decoding and fluency building with thorough instructions, a workbook and a reader.  This is the absolute best resource for parents who wish to assist their children at home.

We also offer CyberSlate as a home support tool.  CyberSlate is a powerful tool for helping children become more skilled at home.  This specialized tool is offered separately to families who wish to do much of their teaching at home.

Additionally, we offer programs to help families be proactive with their children's education and development.  Have a look at our Parent Support page.

Summer Programs

Every summer we offer a variety of summer programs to help your child catch up or stay sharp over the summer break.

Education Consulting

Our education consulting service helps public and private schools achieve the same success we have had in improving student performance.