In math, reading strategies are critical to be able to apply the math skills to real concepts (word problems). I help students to break down the word problems line by line, and to look for keywords and vocabulary. I then have students identify the main idea (What is the question?) and work through the problem to set up the steps to solve it. What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material? When a student is able to teach the concepts back to me, I know they have fully understood the material. Many times, a student can imitate the process to solve a problem with their teacher/tutor, but cannot do it later on their own. I often ask students to explain each step as they work through a problem so they can understand why and how to solve any future problem related to those concepts.