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I posted a year ago about my son's problems with computation. Here's that post for a reminder:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6642&p=50615&hilit=conundrum#p50615

Anyhow, we finished Singapore 6A/6B then went into pre-algebra with a tutor. He seemed to do fine. We then spent the summer reviewing areas he seemed unsure about. However, his achievement test scores (he had a test in the spring and one last week) indicate that math computation really is a problem area.
On the bright side, he scored very, very high in concepts and applications.

I had initially planned that we would begin Algebra 1 work in August, but now I'm wondering if we should do something else as another pre-cursor to Algebra to shore up math computation. The son in question is 14 and ironically is interested in math and science related fields after high school at the college level.

Is it that he has problems with computation or does it just take him too long for a timed test? I've found that kids who know the work, but work slowly often don't do well on timed tests. How does the tutor feel he's doing?

It doesn't appear to take too long to do the test. He always finishes well ahead of time. (sigh) He considers speed his forte'

The tutor gave him an A for pre-Algebra. It is my understanding that he was actually a few points shy of an A, but she gave him extra points for his great attitude and effort. In her grading she gives x number of points per problem. If the student does the process correct, but has a computation error the student gets partial credit. He frequently would get partial credit on problems for having the process correct, but a computation incorrect.

On a different note, I do have a child who knows the work but works S.L.O.W.L.Y. What do you do for those children with timed achievement tests?