Importance of repetition, timed tests, and other methods in obtaining mastery

This is a topic that I have seen discussed on the TpT boards. While I included some of my thoughts on the forum, I want to address the issue more thoroughly. When it comes to attaining popper fluency in topics like addition and subtraction facts, multiplication, division problems, and reading fluency, I believe we need to use a variety of methods to ensure each child reaches mastery at appropriate times in their school career.

http://www.lisisoft.com/free-download-version/55124-free-learn-addition-on-orbital-one.html  

I think there needs to be a balance. Some things should be timed, repeated, charted, explained, thought about, etc. There is no one size fits all approach to each topic. I would consider using short timed tests for topics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or reading fluency, to be a good use of class time. The idea, however, would be working toward improvement and eventual fluency. I also think that once a child has reached mastery they should move on. Previous topics should be reviewed from time to time, but not nearly as frequently.

You can take a look at this fellow TpT blog on Reading Fluency

http://homeschoolparent.blogspot.com/2010/06/reading-fluency.html

I do not see true benefit in having children that have mastered a topic with fluency, continue to practice with the rest of the class. I believe that part of differentiating education should include providing students with work and topics appropriate for their level and ability. For example: when students are learning reading fluency in our first and second grade classes, they are moved to the next level of reading material once they are able to read 100 words correctly in a minute. Much of our Montessori work is approached in a manner that allows students to practice and work on assignments until they can do the assigned work correctly three times, then they are moved on to more advanced work, and when our students are learning multiplication for fluency we use flash cards, parent help, and timed tests until the student can finish a set number of problems correctly in 3 minutes, then they are moved on to more advanced work.

http://www.math-drills.com/multiplication.shtml

Of course there are topics that aren't in need of timing, so we should use our common sense and find the correct approach to ensuring fluency and mastery of individual topics. I would also think we should look at multiple ways to approach every topic, so it really reaches every child in a way they learn and understand. I like to use the analogy of having a toolbox of tools available for appropriate use in each topic or subject area. We need to find the tools that work best for each student, and each topic, to help bring true understanding and comprehension of each topic.

Brain Blasters Math Practice Cards - 

Multiplication and Division, Grades 2-3

Once these children reach fourth or fifth grade most of these topics, like multiplication  addition, subtraction, division, reading fluency, and reading comprehension, should be fluent. If they are not, teachers in those grades are stuck trying to catch students up on topics that should have been mastered a year or two prior. I see this happening in my daughter's fifth grade class. The lack of fluency and practice in math causes severe slow down in everything else that needs to be covered. In that case the teacher was left with little choice but to do frequent repeated timed tests, having parents work at home with flash cards and other activities, and attempting any method available to help students gain the fluency they should have learned years prior. We also must keep in mind, when it comes to parental help, it is very important, but we cannot always depend on this method. Not all parents are diligent, some are very busy, and I hate to say it, but some don't care or think it is exclusively the teacher's job. We have to ensure that every child reaches mastery, even the ones with less then active parental involvement. So what do you all think? What is your take on using methods like flash cards, timed tests, and parental help for ensuring students reach mastery in some of these subject areas?