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School Reports: What They Are and Why They Matter

  • By Signet Education
  • November 19, 2018

report meaning in school

Disclaimer: Signet Education does not provide school reports.

Many parts of the college application and admissions process are very visible to students and parents—grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities come to mind. Because of their visibility, these components tend to take on the utmost importance in students’ and parents’ minds.

Don’t get us wrong; these are very important factors. But it’s also important to remember that there are other factors that aren’t directly under your control. For example, teacher recommendations, counselor recommendations, and a student’s context (school, region, state, etc…) are all factors (among many) that play a part in the assessment of an application.

By acknowledging and remembering this, you can take a bit of the burden off of yourself. Whether or not you get into a given school has to do with things that are under as well as out of your control, so focus on controlling what you can and not perseverating on what’s beyond out of your hands.

Today, we’d like to shed some light on one of the most important but least-discussed elements of the college process: the school report. There are technically two school reports that go to colleges. One is a document put together by your high school that gives admissions officers an overview of the school (number of people in a class, breakdown of student demographics, number of advanced/AP classes offered, etc.). If you’re curious, you can likely find this school report right on your school’s website. This report is often submitted with a college application.

The other school report—what we’re going to discuss today—is a portion of the Common Application that is filled out by the school counselor. The two reports contain a lot of the same information. The difference is that one is in a format chosen by the school (so sometimes contains more information), and one is a form that the school counselor fills out within the Common Application.

Today’s article is by Liz Adams, a former Harvard Admissions Officer and one of Signet’s Admissions Consultants. We hope you find it helpful in expanding your understanding of the many factors in the admissions process.

What is a School Report?

By now you’ve probably heard plenty about how crucial essays and teacher recommendations are for college applications. But people rarely talk about one important component: the school report.

The school report is the form that is filled out by your school college counselor (or equivalent). It includes a transcript, a recommendation letter, information about the school’s academic program in general, and how you compare to other students in your class.

The school report serves as both an academic and personal snapshot of a student’s application, and can be a crucial starting point for admissions officers in assessing candidacy. It establishes the “context” against which students are compared—both within their own school and among students from other schools.

Of course, you cannot (and should not!) control what a counselor reports in this section. However, being aware of this piece of the application can be helpful for you in understanding the way admissions officers view your application in the larger context.

So let’s take a closer look!

Anatomy of a School Report

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  • While some information about  class rank and GPA  is also found on a transcript, having all this information collected in one place is convenient for an admissions officer. This section also allows for additional information to let an admissions officer calibrate what class rank and GPA mean at this particular school, which ensures that you are not being judged against the standards of another school.
  • The  percentage of graduating students immediately attending two- or four-year institutions  helps an admissions officer get a feel for the context of the school as a whole. A school sending 100% of students to 4-year institutions is likely quite a different setting from a school sending 29% to 4-year institutions. This setting is crucial for admissions officers to understand up front, so that students are being appropriately assessed in context.
  • Information on the  number of advanced courses offered and how demanding a student’s course load is  serves as an at-a-glance benchmark for how rigorous your academic work has been. This is particularly useful in familiarizing an admissions officer with the more atypical features of a school’s curriculum. Perhaps your school doesn’t offer AP or IB classes. Perhaps only a few students per year are selected to take AP European History. Perhaps it is impossible for a student to take AP Physics and AP Calculus in the same year. Admissions officers can read a lot of information in the few questions here to ensure that they fully understand what each student’s curriculum means.
  • Understanding  how long a counselor has known this student  is important in evaluating the context of this recommendation. At some schools, counselors work with their students for all four years, while in others, they meet only a few times right before college applications are due. This information ensures that students who attend schools where the counselors are overloaded are not being penalized for that, and vice versa.
  • These  student ratings  don’t necessarily say a lot to an admissions officer, but they are a good reminder to parents and students that counselors cannot recommend everyone equally! An admissions officer will be much less likely to trust the judgment of a counselor who marks every single student as “One of the top few I’ve encountered in my career,” so it’s in both your and your counselor’s best interest for these rankings to be an honest assessment.

  So there you have it: the anatomy of the school report! But what does it actually mean for your application?

How Does an Admissions Officer Use This Information?

The school report serves as a heuristic for the context of an applicant. In other words, it helps to interpret your transcript, and thus provide a basis for a deep understanding of where a student comes from. For example, let’s consider two different students, each of whom has taken the  same three AP classes .

The first student has a 3.7 GPA (out of 4.0) at a school that doesn’t rank, but has a graduating class of 53 students. 100% of students at this school go on to a 4-year college immediately after graduating, and the school offers 20+ AP courses. The counselor has indicated that their course load is “demanding” and the other check marks all fall into the range of “Excellent.”

The second student has a 3.6 GPA and is ranked 13th in a class of 835. This school offers only 3 AP courses; 18% of students immediately attend 4-year colleges. The counselor has indicated that this student’s course load is “most demanding” and the other ratings are all “One of the top few in my career.”

While the two students have the same number of AP classes under their belt, and the first student’s GPA is slightly higher, the details from the school report create very different portraits. The first student seems to have played it safe; they have done well but not exceptionally, in a pool of about 50 peers. The second student, however, has maximized the available opportunities and managed to stand out to the counselor in a class of over 800 students, a major achievement.

Admissions officers do not make decisions based solely on this little bit of information, of course! They will take this information and combine it with the things that they learn in the rest of the application—especially the teacher recommendations and the essay. But this section is crucial for creating context, and is a good example of how different environments can come across on paper.

While it might seem stressful to think about the parts of the application that are out of your control, we encourage you to look at this as a reminder that the college admissions process is not a referendum on your character. There are many, many factors that play into the assessment of each application. Our advice? Build a diversified school list, put your best foot forward, and try to be zen about what comes next.

This article was co-written with Liz Adams, one of Signet’s Admissions Consultants.

Want more in-depth advice for your college applications? Contact us to get connected to an expert admissions consultant.

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How to read school reports: A parent survival guide

report meaning in school

Wondering  how to read your child’s school report  to know how to best give them extra support?

Discover everything you need to know about school reports, how to use them for  parents’ evenings , and decode the language teachers use., what is a school report.

School reports begin in primary school and are teacher assessments about your child’s behaviour and performance at school. 

They can be a great indicator of how settled your child is at their school, how they’re finding specific subjects, and what areas they need to continue striving towards.

In the annual school report there should be:

A brief overview of achievements in the school curriculum and comments on general progress

Arrangements for discussing the report with the teacher

Attendance record

Results of any public exams taken with subject and grade

Are school reports a legal Ofsted requirement?

Schools are required to send at least 1 written report per school year,  however, no matter the Key Stage, lots of schools split the report across the academic school year, reporting on each term separately. By the end of each summer term, your child’s teacher must send a written report to you on your child’s progress for the academic year.

As an Explore member, you’ll receive real-time feedback to keep you on track with  your child’s progress .

The purpose of school reports

School reports can be very valuable for parents, a proud moment to  highlight your child’s recent progress achievements ! They can also be used as a reflection tool to see if teachers’ predictions and comments were achieved.

The main purpose of a school report is to keep you updated about your child’s progress and to keep lines of communication open between home and school.

Manager Emma, who works at Explore Learning and has previously taught in schools, shares her thoughts:

'Making sure parents are aware of their child’s current achievements and any tricky areas of the curriculum, is vital for supporting a child’s progress. This allows education staff and parents to work together, so the support for those tricky concepts can continue at home too. This information can be shown to parents in their child’s school reports and in  parents’ meetings , but I feel the real impact happens with ‘Assessment for Learning’. This is on the spot constructive feedback for your child, that they can act upon, in the moment, to improve their work. 

This is something we pride ourselves on at Explore Learning, while also keeping you up to date with their progress. School reports are important to keep communication lines open, but it is clear and constructive feedback children need to achieve.’

How to read a school report

Explore Learning Manager Rob, gives his advice on what phrases to look out for in your child’s school report that give warning signs, highlighting any problem areas. 

Understanding feedback from school

School reports – what teachers really mean

Curriculum manager, lewis cherry, decodes common phrases used in school reports:.

It can sometimes be tricky to decipher the language used in your child’s report. Here’s a list of commonly used phrases to look out for which could indicate an area of development.

“With assistance/support” – is likely to mean that your child is lacking the ability or confidence to complete work independently.

“At times” – almost certainly relates to consistency. Your child may struggle to consistently apply a given skill. It could also relate to inconsistent concentration, motivation, or behaviour.

“Needs encouraging in ” – normally means that your child lacks motivation or confidence.

“Adapting to” / “limited” – these phrases suggest that your child isn’t confident with the level of work.

“Is challenged by” – usually signifies a key area of development for your child.

School Report Glossary:

Age-Related Expectations (ARE) – what is expected of a pupil by a given age. These are often outlined as a series of statements detailing what children should be able to do.

Working Towards (WT) – working below the expected level.

Working At (WA) – working at the expected level.

Greater Depth (GD) – working above the expected level.

Emerging – working below the expected level.

Developing – working below the expected level but has met some of the learner statements.

Secure – working at the expected level.

Mastery – working above the expected level and going into greater depth.

Expected – working at the expected level.

Exceeding- working above the expected level.

It’s important to note that because children must hit a series of learner statements in order to be classed as achieving age-related expectations, it’s common for children to be classed as  ‘emerging’, ‘developing ’, or ‘ working towards’  throughout the school year. This could simply mean that they haven’t been taught all of the content yet. You should take this into account when receiving interim reports.

How to know if your child is making progress at Explore

Explore manager amrit answers parent’s common faqs:.

“How long until I see progress?”

At Explore,  progress can be displayed through statistical data or a change in understanding and attitude. We believe it is so  important for children to make progress  on both aspects, so we introduce  Fearless Learning Habits  to get children closer to their academic goals. For example, a child may have low retention, so the goal is to increase long-term understanding of National Curriculum topics and their Fearless Learning Habit is to explain their answers to their tutor each week. This encourages children to introduce habits into their learning style, which they will carry back to school and home too! Children make progress each week on their Fearless Learning Habit, allowing families to see numerical results in quarterly progress meetings.

“How do you make time to go back over tricky concepts?”

We work with our members at their own pace; we are able to make sure that they understand topics before moving on to the next and even once tricky concepts have been mastered, we are constantly checking for understanding. Throughout their time with Explore, our  innovative learning tool,  Compass, allows us to track retention and progress of specific skills even when they are using Compass outside of their  tutoring sessions.

Compass feedback page parents view

“How long will it take them to catch up?”

Every child is unique, and it is really important that they get the right support for them as an individual; whether this is going back over topics, taking time to practise or simply having the chance to ask questions. We support each child throughout their learning journey by being able to create a tailored learning plan specific to their needs, so they get extra support to catch up on their goals in the right time frame for them.    

How we monitor and share learning progress

Explore Manager Olivia, discusses the benefits of attending regular parent’s meetings with your child’s centre managers.

“Our regular parent meetings are a great chance for us to showcase your child’s progress, as well as work with you to set long-term goals and make a learning plan to achieve them. I love them because they’re a chance to celebrate all their hard work, and set them up for even more success!”  

Olivia goes on to tell us how proud she is of her member Charlie’s recent progress:

“Charlie has been a total superstar during lockdown. He finds change a real challenge especially when it affects his routine. However, he has been incredibly resilient and used his 1:1 sessions as a way to create stability. This has aided his confidence in himself and he made the most progress we have seen him make in 3 months. With the support and care of his tutor and his own determination and self belief he is now working at his current year group which has been a tricky goal that we have worked on over the past few years!”

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4 expert tips on getting the most out of school parents’ evenings 

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning, offers her  top tips on what parents should be asking  their child’s teacher:

How can we work together to make my child’s homework experience as impactful as possible?

Remember that teachers want the best for your child, just as you do. A parent/teacher combined approach can be such a powerful way to make a change that could be beneficial for everyone. With this in mind, it is good to have an open conversation with them and see how you can work together to make your homework experience as harmonious as possible. 

What are my child’s current goals and how has their progress been affected by homeschooling during school closures?

Progress is measured in different ways across schools so this is a good opportunity to open up a conversation with your child’s teacher and confirm what their set goals are, how they are progressing, and to make sure you can have the biggest impact when you get involved with your child’s learning. It might be the case that you receive less positive feedback about how your child coped with home learning, but it’s important to ask. If they mention problems with behaviour or concentration for example, then try to see this as a positive opportunity to open up a conversation with your child about how they’re coping with the changes of routine and the stress of the school reopening.

School’s changed a lot since I was young, so how can I make sure I’m getting a head start on what’s coming up in the term ahead?

Although not always easy to admit, it has been quite a few years since we were in classes ourselves! The curriculum changes constantly and the way that even simple things like multiplication are done in classrooms might be totally different from how you learned it; so it can be useful to have an open chat with your child’s teacher about the upcoming topics that might risk leaving you a bit stumped. Getting the heads-up might help you find a spare 10 minutes to do a bit of research and get up to date, or allow you to plan ahead to incorporate a bit of extra time on days where you’re helping your child learn tricky topics.

Should I ask my child’s teacher if they think they would benefit from additional support to stay on track/to stretch their learning?

Asking your teacher for their recommendations can help you to have an insight into whether your child needs extra support. With the pandemic having turned schooling upside down, your child may need a little more support outside of class hours than they otherwise would do. Even if you’ve not seen a dip in your child’s enthusiasm or performance, a small amount of additional learning, such as the  maths and English tutoring we offer  at Explore Learning, can help your child adapt and thrive. This can help stretch their knowledge and intelligence too, as well as help them keep up in certain subjects or topic areas. 

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How School Interims Can Help Parents

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  • What to Know

How to Use an Interim Report

How to correct issues.

If you have a child in middle school or high school, you've probably encountered interims, or progress reports, as they are sometimes called. Interims help parents stay on top of their child's progress in a given subject, and because they're usually issued halfway through a grading period, they also give families a chance to correct any academic problems that exist.

While progress reports or interims aren't issued by every school or school district, they are very popular in the public school setting, as well as many private schools. Below you'll find information on what you need to know about interims, along with advice on how to handle specific situations or academic issues and achieve classroom success .

What to Know About Interims

Interim reports are much like report cards, except the grades they include are not final grades. They simply provide parents and students with an idea of how the student is progressing in a particular class. Here's what else you need to know about interims.

Information Found on an Interim

In addition to an interim grade for each subject, interim reports typically include your child's class schedule and teachers' names. Specific information from your child's teachers also may be included.

For example, a teacher might indicate that your student is having trouble paying attention in class, or that your child is courteous, responsible, and helpful to others. Sometimes interim reports also request a parent/teacher conference, especially if there are academic or social problems involving the student.

Pay close attention to the teacher's comments if they are included in the report. This information provides key insights into what your child needs to change or improve on as well as what they are doing well.

This information is often more important that the grades that are listed, because it gives you some insight in how to proceed.

Also, keep in mind that teachers occasionally get behind on grading. So the interim report may be missing some grades that have not been entered yet for completed assignments.

Although this is unfortunate because you are unable to get a clear picture of your student's progress, try not to worry too much. You can always ask the teacher for more detailed information or schedule a conference to get a clearer picture of your child's progress.

When Interims Are Issued

Interims are usually issued halfway through a grading period. So, if your child's school has an eight-week grading period, interims will go out at about week four. For a six-week grading periods, interims will be sent home in week three.

By issuing interims halfway through the grading session, families have time to deal with academic issues , if there are any.

Additionally, many middle school policies require that you return a signed copy so that it's clear that you received the interim and know about your child's school progress. High schools may not require interims to be returned, depending on the teacher or the school policy.

When you first get your child's interim report, it's important to focus on the positive things in the report. For example, if the teacher made positive comments, talk about those with your student. Or, if there are some high marks, be sure to comment on the work your student is putting in.

Focusing on the positives first keeps the discussion regarding the interim report from being as stressful as it could be. If the grades are not what you expect, it's important not to overreact.

Interims give you and your student a chance to set goals and bring the grades up before report cards are issued.

However, you cannot ignore the report either. If your child's interim report is not what you hoped, sit down and calmly ask your student what they think the issues might be .

Are they having trouble with the homework? Does the teacher move through the material quickly in class? Is the material too challenging? Are they having trouble with their eyesight or hearing? Are fellow students distracting them during class?

Let your child talk about what they feel are the issues in their classes. Try not to interrupt, critique, or criticize what they have to say. Instead, listen and validate their feelings. Find out what they think the problem might be or if there are other issues at play while your child is at school, such as bullying or other social problems .

Allowing your child the opportunity to open up will provide you with valuable insight into their experiences and struggles.

Of course, if your child's interim is positive, be sure to congratulate them. A little positive feedback from you should help keep your student motivated and on-track for the rest of the grading period. You also can ask what they think led to their success.

If they spent time studying each night to prepare for tests or worked ahead on assignments, encourage them to continue what is working for them. Additionally, asking your student what they think led to their success causes them to think critically and evaluate what works and what doesn't and helps them build on their success.

Once you've heard your child's concerns, help them come up with a plan for improvement. Ask what your child thinks they should do to bring up their grades. Then, help them set realistic and attainable goals . You also should talk about how those goals can be met in practical ways.

After you have an official plan, type it up and put it in a prominent location in the house. You could even forward a copy to the teacher if you have a working relationship with them. Involving your child in creating a plan helps them take ownership over their grades and the improvement plan.

Track Progress

Be sure that you also track your child's progress in sticking to the plan. If you don't notice any improvement on the next few assignments, it could be that your child needs to tweak their improvement plan so that they get the results they want.

It also might be necessary to request a parent/teacher conference in order to obtain additional information. You also can ask the teacher if after-school tutoring is available. The key is that you remain aware of your child's progress and get them additional support if needed.

If you think your child's problems aren't being addressed by the teacher, or if you're not sure how to proceed, consider whether or not a meeting with the guidance counselor might help as well.

A Word From Verywell

As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child, but try not to measure their success in the number of As and Bs they bring home. Emphasize hard work over high marks when evaluating your child's interim reports. If your child is not applying themselves, then by all means address that.

But, if they are working hard and doing the best they can, praise their work ethic while trying to find solutions to help them improve their grades. This might mean hiring a tutor or helping with homework and time management.

Just make sure you are setting attainable goals and that you're measuring your child's progress realistically. Don't demand they get As if that is not realistic for your child. Review the interim report and develop a plan for success that is tailored specifically to your child's needs and abilities, and you will be much more likely to see results.

By Jennifer O'Donnell Jennifer O'Donnell holds a BA in English and has training in specific areas regarding tweens, covering parenting for over 8 years.

How to Read a Report Card

Understanding how your child is doing in school starts with the basics: knowing what’s on their report card.

We review a lot of report cards with a lot of families. Here’s what we look for:

Course grades.

Take a minute to understand the grading system. Some schools use numerical scores (1-4, for example); others may use codes like M for Mastery or A for Advanced. Beware of codes that look good at first glance but actually reflect a problem, like AB for “Approaching Basic,” which seems like it might mean “halfway between A and B,” but is really more like a D. Circle any grades or scores that raise concerns for you.

Look out for: Big swings in grades, like a jump from C’s and D’s to A’s, or vice versa. If you see a pattern like that, it’s time for a conversation with your child’s teacher.

Test results

For younger students, you may see codes for common reading tests like STEP or DIBELS, which show your child’s reading proficiency level. They can show up as numbers and/or letters, and sometimes they’re combined with a code like “6J.” Sadly, they usually aren’t explained at all. You can look up what the scores mean, but you may find it easier to ask your child’s teacher to walk through them with you – he or she should be able to tell you what grade level in reading the score translates to (for example, STEP 6 would indicate your child is reading at about the end of first grade level).

Look out for: Any major differences you see between your child’s grades and the scores; for example, a grade of “meets expectations” in reading but a STEP score that shows your third grader is reading on a second grade level. What’s going on there?

Missing school frequently is a bright red warning light for future academic problems. Look over the attendance and tardy data carefully. Does it match up with your own recollections? If you see more than one or two absences for the grading period, it’s a problem.

Look out for: Tardies. Getting to class late may not seem so bad, but the lost learning time can add up fast. Some school report cards will show you exactly how many instructional hours have been lost as a result.

Many report cards will have space for teachers to offer notes. Sometimes they are vague and unhelpful (“great to have in class!”) but other times they can give you a clearer picture of how your child is doing. See if the comments, grades, and test scores paint a consistent picture or not.

Look out for: Coded language, like “He is working very hard,” which may mean he is focused but struggling.

What’s next? 

Make report cards a big deal in your home. Sit down with your child and go over the report card with them. Talk about what you’re proud of and what you’re concerned about. Ask them what they think went well and didn’t go well. And give them a big hug afterwards, no matter what the grades look like.

Confused? Ask for an explanation.

Remember, report cards are for you. Their purpose is to help you understand how your child is doing. If your school’s report card is unclear or confusing, ask your child’s teacher to explain it. Don't wait for the next parent-teacher conference, if it's not coming up soon. You have a right to know, right away.

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Definition of 'school report'

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The power of a school report

Mother and daughter talking

School reports are a great tool to help you understand how your teen is going at school – they provide a summary of your teen’s achievements in each of their subjects. Analysing and discussing school reports openly with your teen is an opportunity to celebrate their successes and help them improve their academic performance. 

The importance of comments

The grades in your teen’s school report will tell you how they have performed in school tests and exams over the term. However, the comments from their teachers can give you a clearer picture about their overall academic performance and participation in class. Teacher comments can often be a great insight into your teen’s strengths, the effort they put into their classes and areas for improvement.

Stay positive!

Your teen will value your opinion of their report. When you talk to your teen about their report try to focus on the positives – praise them for the areas they have excelled in, where they have shown improvements, and acknowledge their effort and achievements. Try to be specific with your praise, for example “ I’m really pleased with your progress in science. You have been working so hard and have improved so much since the beginning of the year ”. Let your teen know that you’re proud of them for trying hard at school, whatever their marks – and try not to compare their results with peers or siblings.

Ask how they feel

Asking your teen how they feel about their report is important too. It can open the door to a discussion about their expectations and interests, where they think they need to focus additional effort and any problems they are experiencing at school. If your teen didn’t do as well as they had hoped, talk about it and help them work out what they can do to improve next time. Remind your teen that getting a bad grade isn’t the end of the world and you are there to support them to achieve their goals.

Set realistic goals

Support your teen to set themselves some realistic learning goals for the next school term.  Encourage them to set small, achievable goals such as getting their English assignments done on time, or asking questions in class if they get confused in maths. The feeling of success they will get from achieving their goals will help your teen feel good about themselves as learners, and improve their resilience and confidence. Help your teen identify some achievable learning goals for themselves and support them to put in place a plan to achieve their goals, like implementing good study routines, getting a tutor or participating in a study group.

If in doubt, talk to their teacher

If you are unsure about any areas of your teen’s school report, you can contact the school to arrange to talk with the teacher/s. Teachers can help you understand your teen’s results and address any questions or concerns you have about their progress. They can also give you ideas on how you can help your teen with their learning at home.

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How to Write a Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 8,692,685 times.

When you’re assigned to write a report, it can seem like an intimidating process. Fortunately, if you pay close attention to the report prompt, choose a subject you like, and give yourself plenty of time to research your topic, you might actually find that it’s not so bad. After you gather your research and organize it into an outline, all that’s left is to write out your paragraphs and proofread your paper before you hand it in!

Sample Reports

report meaning in school

Selecting Your Topic

Step 1 Read the report prompt or guidelines carefully.

  • The guidelines will also typically tell you the requirements for the structure and format of your report.
  • If you have any questions about the assignment, speak up as soon as possible. That way, you don’t start working on the report, only to find out you have to start over because you misunderstood the report prompt.

Step 2 Choose a topic

  • For instance, if your report is supposed to be on a historical figure, you might choose someone you find really interesting, like the first woman to be governor of a state in the U.S., or the man who invented Silly Putty.
  • If your report is about information technology , you could gather information about the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information.
  • Even if you don’t have the option to choose your topic, you can often find something in your research that you find interesting. If your assignment is to give a report on the historical events of the 1960s in America, for example, you could focus your report on the way popular music reflected the events that occurred during that time.

Tip: Always get approval from your teacher or boss on the topic you choose before you start working on the report!

Step 3 Try to pick a topic that is as specific as possible.

  • If you’re not sure what to write about at first, pick a larger topic, then narrow it down as you start researching.
  • For instance, if you wanted to do your report on World Fairs, then you realize that there are way too many of them to talk about, you might choose one specific world fair, such as the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, to focus on.
  • However, you wouldn’t necessarily want to narrow it down to something too specific, like “Food at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition,” since it could be hard to find sources on the subject without just listing a lot of recipes.

Researching the Report

Step 1 Include a variety...

  • If you don’t have guidelines on how many sources to use, try to find 1-2 reputable sources for each page of the report.
  • Sources can be divided into primary sources, like original written works, court records, and interviews, and secondary sources, like reference books and reviews.
  • Databases, abstracts, and indexes are considered tertiary sources, and can be used to help you find primary and secondary sources for your report. [5] X Research source
  • If you’re writing a business report , you may be given some supplementary materials, such as market research or sales reports, or you may need to compile this information yourself. [6] X Research source

Step 2 Visit the library first if you’re writing a report for school.

  • Librarians are an excellent resource when you're working on a report. They can help you find books, articles, and other credible sources.
  • Often, a teacher will limit how many online sources you can use. If you find most of the information you need in the library, you can then use your online sources for details that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

Tip: Writing a report can take longer than you think! Don't put off your research until the last minute , or it will be obvious that you didn't put much effort into the assignment.

Step 3 Use only scholarly sources if you do online research.

  • Examples of authoritative online sources include government websites, articles written by known experts, and publications in peer-reviewed journals that have been published online.

Step 4 Cross-reference your sources to find new material.

  • If you’re using a book as one of your sources, check the very back few pages. That’s often where an author will list the sources they used for their book.

Step 5 Keep thorough notes...

  • Remember to number each page of your notes, so you don’t get confused later about what information came from which source!
  • Remember, you’ll need to cite any information that you use in your report; however, exactly how you do this will depend on the format that was assigned to you.

Step 6 Use your research...

  • For most reports, your thesis statement should not contain your own opinions. However, if you're writing a persuasive report, the thesis should contain an argument that you will have to prove in the body of the essay.
  • An example of a straightforward report thesis (Thesis 1) would be: “The three main halls of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition were filled with modern creations of the day and were an excellent representation of the innovative spirit of the Progressive era.”
  • A thesis for a persuasive report (Thesis 2) might say: “The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was intended as a celebration of the Progressive spirit, but actually harbored a deep racism and principle of white supremacy that most visitors chose to ignore or celebrate.”

Step 7 Organize your notes...

  • The purpose of an outline is to help you to visualize how your essay will look. You can create a straightforward list or make a concept map , depending on what makes the most sense to you.
  • Try to organize the information from your notes so it flows together logically. For instance, it can be helpful to try to group together related items, like important events from a person’s childhood, education, and career, if you’re writing a biographical report.
  • Example main ideas for Thesis 1: Exhibits at the Court of the Universe, Exhibits at the Court of the Four Seasons, Exhibits at the Court of Abundance.

Tip: It can help to create your outline on a computer in case you change your mind as you’re moving information around.

Writing the First Draft

Step 1 Format the report according to the guidelines you were given.

  • Try to follow any formatting instructions to the letter. If there aren't any, opt for something classic, like 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, double-spaced lines, and 1 in (2.5 cm) margins all around.
  • You'll usually need to include a bibliography at the end of the report that lists any sources you used. You may also need a title page , which should include the title of the report, your name, the date, and the person who requested the report.
  • For some types of reports, you may also need to include a table of contents and an abstract or summary that briefly sums up what you’ve written. It’s typically easier to write these after you’ve finished your first draft. [14] X Research source

Step 2 State your thesis...

  • Example Intro for Thesis 1: “The Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) of 1915 was intended to celebrate both the creation of the Panama Canal, and the technological advancements achieved at the turn of the century. The three main halls of the PPIE were filled with modern creations of the day and were an excellent representation of the innovative spirit of the Progressive era.”

Step 3 Start each paragraph in the body of the report with a topic sentence.

  • Typically, you should present the most important or compelling information first.
  • Example topic sentence for Thesis 1: At the PPIE, the Court of the Universe was the heart of the exposition and represented the greatest achievements of man, as well as the meeting of the East and the West.

Tip: Assume that your reader knows little to nothing about the subject. Support your facts with plenty of details and include definitions if you use technical terms or jargon in the paper.

Step 4 Support each topic sentence with evidence from your research.

  • Paraphrasing means restating the original author's ideas in your own words. On the other hand, a direct quote means using the exact words from the original source in quotation marks, with the author cited.
  • For the topic sentence listed above about the Court of the Universe, the body paragraph should go on to list the different exhibits found at the exhibit, as well as proving how the Court represented the meeting of the East and West.
  • Use your sources to support your topic, but don't plagiarize . Always restate the information in your own words. In most cases, you'll get in serious trouble if you just copy from your sources word-for-word. Also, be sure to cite each source as you use it, according to the formatting guidelines you were given. [18] X Research source

Step 5 Follow your evidence with commentary explaining why it links to your thesis.

  • Your commentary needs to be at least 1-2 sentences long. For a longer report, you may write more sentences for each piece of commentary.

Step 6 Summarize your research...

  • Avoid presenting any new information in the conclusion. You don’t want this to be a “Gotcha!” moment. Instead, it should be a strong summary of everything you’ve already told the reader.

Revising Your Report

Step 1 Scan the report to make sure everything is included and makes sense.

  • A good question to ask yourself is, “If I were someone reading this report for the first time, would I feel like I understood the topic after I finished reading?

Tip: If you have time before the deadline, set the report aside for a few days . Then, come back and read it again. This can help you catch errors you might otherwise have missed.

Step 2 Check carefully for proofreading errors.

  • Try reading the report to yourself out loud. Hearing the words can help you catch awkward language or run-on sentences you might not catch by reading it silently.

Step 3 Read each sentence from the end to the beginning.

  • This is a great trick to find spelling errors or grammatical mistakes that your eye would otherwise just scan over.

Step 4 Have someone else proofread it for you.

  • Ask your helper questions like, “Do you understand what I am saying in my report?” “Is there anything you think I should take out or add?” And “Is there anything you would change?”

Step 5 Compare your report to the assignment requirements to ensure it meets expectations.

  • If you have any questions about the assignment requirements, ask your instructor. It's important to know how they'll be grading your assignment.

Expert Q&A

Emily Listmann, MA

You Might Also Like

Write a Financial Report

  • ↑ https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/reports/writing-up
  • ↑ https://emory.libanswers.com/faq/44525
  • ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-7-sources-choosing-the-right-ones/
  • ↑ https://libguides.merrimack.edu/research_help/Sources
  • ↑ https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1779625/VBS-Report-Writing-Guide-2017.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.library.illinois.edu/hpnl/tutorials/primary-sources/
  • ↑ https://libguides.scu.edu.au/harvard/secondary-sources
  • ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-notes-while-reading/
  • ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement.html
  • ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/outline
  • ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/engl250oer/chapter/10-4-table-of-contents/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
  • ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/report-writing-format
  • ↑ https://www.monash.edu/rlo/assignment-samples/assignment-types/writing-an-essay/writing-body-paragraphs
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/5-most-effective-methods-for-avoiding-plagiarism/
  • ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/using-evidence.html
  • ↑ https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/writing-report
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/grammarpunct/proofreading/
  • ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-12-peer-review-and-final-revisions/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

Emily Listmann, MA

It can seem really hard to write a report, but it will be easier if you choose an original topic that you're passionate about. Once you've got your topic, do some research on it at the library and online, using reputable sources like encyclopedias, scholarly journals, and government websites. Use your research write a thesis statement that sums up the focus of your paper, then organize your notes into an outline that supports that thesis statement. Finally, expand that outline into paragraph form. Read on for tips from our Education co-author on how to format your report! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Parent corner, understanding report cards: a guide for parents.

Letter grades are being replaced by number systems or even words on school report cards. We created a guide to help parents decode report card grades, from A to Z.

by Patti Ghezzi

July 20, 2018

understanding report cards

Kerkez/Thinkstock

Understanding report cards has become more difficult in recent years. Some schools have left A, B, and C behind in favor of report cards with numbers from 1 to 4 or 5. Others still use A, B, C, and F but have eliminated D. Or how about E, S, and NI? Some avoid letters and numbers in favor of descriptors such as “novice” or “proficient” or detailed narrative descriptions of your child’s progress. And some combine different grading systems depending on what’s being assessed.

It’s enough to make a parent’s head spin. Yet it’s important to know your school’s grading system so you can figure out how your child is doing.

School leaders cite several reasons for moving away from the traditional A, B, and C grading system. Their goal is to give you an accurate picture of your child’s progress, and some teachers find traditional letter grades too limiting. For example, in some schools, teachers rarely give any grade lower than a C. Although a C is supposed to mean “average,” it represents less-than-average achievement when it’s the lowest grade a teacher feels comfortable giving. By switching to a number system, some teachers say they feel free to give kids the grades they’ve earned.

Grading changes are also often intended to signal dramatic changes in assessment. In many schools, teachers no longer grade kids based on how they do compared with their classmates, says Thomas Guskey, author of How’s My Kid Doing? A Parent’s Guide to Grades, Marks, and Report Cards . Instead, teachers are trying to grade students “in terms of what they’ve learned and what they’re able to do,” says Guskey, a distinguished service professor at Georgetown College in Kentucky.

This can be a hard concept for parents to grasp because most moms and dads grew up with a grading bell curve. By switching to a totally different grading system, schools hope to shake parents of the old notions of grading kids based on how they compare with classmates.

Understanding Report Cards: Letter Grading Systems

A, B, C, D, F

This is a traditional grading system, easily understood by parents and students. Or is it? Many parents assume their child is graded on a bell curve, but in most instances that isn’t the case. Instead of issuing a large number of C’s for “average,” as a bell curve would suggest, teachers often give mostly A’s and B’s. Parents should clarify with the teacher what these grades mean even though the letters are familiar.

Poor D, dumped by some schools for failure to offer meaningful information. Some teachers complained that D had become a softer option for kids who really deserved to fail. Others said the C had become such a dreaded grade that it carried the same message D once did.

E, G, S, NI

This grading system is often used with younger children. It’s also popular at schools where teachers want kids to focus on learning, not getting a certain grade. The cutoffs between these letter grades might be more subjective. Often E is for excellent, G is for good, S is for satisfactory, and NI is for needs improvement. Some schools may also have their own alternative letter scale. It’s important to know what the letters mean at your child’s school. Parents should also make sure they understand the standards being measured.

Understanding Report Cards: Number Grading Systems

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Numbers are often used to help parents get into the mindset of standards-based assessment rather than comparing students with each other. Parents should resist the temptation to equate 1 with A, 2 with B, and so on. Instead, work with the teacher to understand the grading scale and the standards being measured.

Numeric averages

Often used with older kids, starting in middle or high school, this simply tells a child’s average based on classroom tests and assignments. Different schools and districts have different cutoffs for A, B, C, or F. At one school, 90 percent might be an A. But at another school, the lowest average for an A might be 93.

Understanding Report Cards: Words Instead of Grades

Categories such as “proficient,” “basic,” or “below basic”

This is a common method when schools grade children based on standards rather than how they compare with one another. It’s important to know what each category means and the exact standard being measured. These report cards can be long and cumbersome. Deciphering this type of grading system may take longer, but it can accurately tell you how well your child is learning the curriculum.

Narrative descriptions

At some schools, teachers write in their own words how your child is progressing. For example: “Nancy is very good at reading books for her grade level. She rarely stumbles on a word. Whenever she goes up to the next level, though, she struggles, gets frustrated, and quits. I would like to see her push through these more difficult books all the way to the end.” Narrative report cards are loved by some parents for the detail and loathed by others who think they’re too subjective.

Learning outcomes

With this type of report card, a standard is listed and the teacher indicates whether the child has mastered it. This type of report card might be several pages long and studded with checkmarks, pluses, or minuses. Some parents respond well to these report cards, especially for younger students. Others find them exasperating and just want to say, “So, how’s my kid doing?”

Some report cards, especially for young children, provide descriptions called rubrics that indicate how a child performed on several criteria within a single subject, such as language arts. This enables parents to see whether their child excelled at one aspect but struggled with another. A rubric needs a thorough explainer and may take some time to absorb, but it can convey a lot of information.

When the Report Card Isn’t Good

While these are common grading systems used today, each state, school district, and school might have its own way of telling parents how their child is faring. By taking the time to learn exactly what your child’s report card means, you can make sure you respond appropriately, offering encouragement and helping your child make changes if the report card suggests room for improvement.

If your child’s report card seems out of sync with what you observe at home, talk to the teacher immediately. Report cards are a crucial form of school-home communication, and they’re only effective if everyone knows what the letters and numbers mean.

If your child does bring home a report card that’s worse than you expected, here are some ways of helping your child get back on track.

Make an appointment to review your child’s progress with the teacher. Most report cards are short on detail. Your child’s teacher can tell you more about his specific weaknesses.

Work with the teacher to develop a plan to get your child back on track. Things to consider may be tutoring, a seat at the front of the class, or extra lessons to work on at home with a parent.

Get to the root of the problem. If your child is struggling in math, maybe she missed a key concept several months or even years ago. Today’s testing can identify those weaknesses. Work with your child’s teacher to pinpoint where your child got lost.

If your child’s grades dropped in every subject, consider other factors such as anxiety, social pressure, or distractions.

Assure your child that you still love him and will help him get his grades up where you know they can be.

Originally posted in 2010 and updated regularly. Emily Graham contributed to this article.

report meaning in school

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What the Report Card Really Means

Find out how to read your child's report card and respond to grades both good and bad..

A, B, C is no longer as easy as 1, 2, 3. Today's student report cards go way beyond the simple letter grades of years past. Now, many school districts send home detailed accounts of each subject's content, student progress, social behavior, work habits, learning skills, and more.

  • The Letter Lineup Don't expect to see traditional letter grades until 3rd or 4th grade. Prior to that, schools usually describe progress with a scale such as D for developing, E for expanding, S for satisfactory, and N for needs improvement. The kindergarten report card can be likened to a checklist of skills crucial for early learning. Sharing and self-control are typically evaluated in a "social development" category. Holding a pencil correctly and using scissors competently are important motor skills. In your kindergartener's first public school report card, you’ll learn how well she cooperates with adults, participates in group activities, follows direction, and forms upper- and lowercase letters.
  • First, be enthusiastic about whatever's good. Acknowledge the positive. Even if there's only one A, say something like, "Wow, you did really well in art."
  • Deal with bad marks in a caring and calm manner. Talk together about the report card, and help him come up with an improvement plan. Ask your child what he's going to do to bring up low marks, and support his efforts. They're his grades and he needs to take responsibility for them. His teacher didn't give him the D in math, for example. He earned it over the course of the marking period.
  • Never use a report card to be punitive. "I've known parents who ground their child for weeks at a time. That's really not effective discipline," warns McCartney.
  • Instead, figure out what motivates your child and provide incentives. Some parents get results by threatening to take away extracurricular activities or computer access. Others promise gifts or pay for achievement. A better approach is to establish some goals and reward improvement, not necessarily As. Your child may be more interested in your company than your cash. Acknowledging effort with an outing to the movies or a game of checkers might be all it takes. For students whose hard work still falls short, be sure to applaud the effort. Some children simply aren't capable of all As and Bs.
  • If you feel a grade is unfair, contact the teacher for more information. Be matter-of-fact in your approach. Don't promise your child that you'll get the grade changed; instead, say that you'll help figure out what went wrong. Once you've discussed the situation with the teacher, the three of you can work together to put an improvement plan in place.
  • Consider including your child in a parent-teacher conference, if the teacher is agreeable. For children in upper grades (3rd, 4th, and 5th), this can be an effective strategy. Expect the teacher to pull out samples of class work, tests, and quizzes and show you her grade book. Teachers today have lots of documentation; a conference that includes the student can have a powerful impact.
  • Finally, convey to your child that school is important. Post her work on the refrigerator. Keep papers she is proud of in a portfolio. Explain that his report card makes a statement about him. Tell him that in your family hard work and good effort are valued most.

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report meaning in school

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School reports on pupil performance: guide for headteachers

Guidance for schools on writing statutory end of year reports for parents.

Applies to England

Headteachers must send a written report to parents on their child’s progress for the academic year by the end of each summer term unless that pupil is to be provided with a school leaver’s report. Where results of public exams, vocational qualifications or credits are not received until after the end of the summer term, headteachers are required to provide that information to parents as soon as possible, and by no later than 15 days after receiving it.

You can split the report across the academic year, for example, to report on each term separately.

School leavers’ reports

Where a pupil is no longer of compulsory school age, and is due to leave the school, or has left the school, then the requirement to produce an annual report no longer applies. Instead, headteachers must provide a school leaver’s report containing brief particulars of the pupil’s progress and achievements in subjects and activities forming part of the school curriculum. The report for school leavers must be provided to the pupil, rather than the parent, no later than 30 September following the end of the academic year in which the pupil left.

Information that must be reported in annual reports

National curriculum assessments.

Schools should report:

  • the outcomes of any key stage 1 and 2 tests or teacher assessments the pupil has undertaken
  • comparative information about the attainment of pupils of the same age in the school and nationally

The Standards and Testing Agency provides further information about the requirements at key stages 1 and 2 .

Grades achieved in GCSEs or other qualifications

The department firmly intends that exams will go ahead in summer 2022 and does not expect that to change, except in the very unlikely case of a public health emergency which would prevent students being able to physically sit exams.

In the unlikely event that exams cannot go ahead, contingency arrangements are in place to ensure that schools and colleges are well prepared to enable students to achieve their qualifications.

The requirements on reporting exam grades to pupils and parents have not changed. Where the results of any qualification assessments are received after the end of the summer term, they should be reported to parents and adult pupils within 15 school days of the school receiving them. These requirements do not apply to pupils receiving a school leaver’s report.

Providing reports in 2021 to 2022

Schools should take a proportionate approach in deciding what information to include within their pupils’ reports. As in previous years, schools should decide the appropriate level of detail required within reports, recognising:

  • that pupils’ education may have been disrupted during the pandemic
  • the Parent Pledge, announced in the Schools White Paper , which states that any child who falls behind in English or maths should receive timely and evidence-based support to help them catch up and that schools communicate this work and the child’s progress to parents

Where schools have not already shared this information with pupils and parents, we strongly recommend that reports include an indication of any significant learning that pupils have missed or in which they are not secure. This could also helpfully include a brief explanation of how the school is addressing this learning loss and any specific additional support that parents could provide.

Schools may also wish to include information on how they are making use of national recovery policies, including the recovery premium and the National Tutoring Programme.

Schools should spend the recovery premium on evidence-based approaches to support pupils, in line with those set out in the Education Endowment Foundation’s pupil premium guide . For further information, read our guidance on using pupil premium . For further information on funding for the National Tutoring Programme, read our guidance on the school-led tutoring grant .

More details on school reports and pupil records are contained in The Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005 and Amendments.

Updated for the 2021 to 2022 academic year to remove references to temporary arrangements introduced for the pandemic and to reflect the publication of the Schools White Paper.

Updated to confirm we have laid regulations to remove the requirement to report on attendance for the 2020 to 2021 academic year and on national curriculum assessments for summer 2021. There is also general information on what to include in reports for the 2020 to 2021 school year, given the disruption to assessments and attendance due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Updated to confirm regulations have been laid to remove the requirement to report on national curriculum assessments and attendance, and explain the different requirements of annual and school leaver reports.

Updated guidance to support teachers to prepare annual reports for parents following the cancellation of this year’s summer exam series and primary assessments.

Added school reporting requirements for pupils in Year 2 and Year 6.

First published.

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Cambridge Dictionary

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Meaning of report in English

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report verb ( TELL )

  • tell My friend told me you were looking for me.
  • let someone know Let me know if you'd like to come.
  • give Can you give the message to Jo?
  • communicate A 60-second TV commercial isn't always the best way to communicate a complex medical message.
  • inform The relatives of the injured have been informed of the accident.
  • notify The school has to notify parents if their children do not arrive at school.
  • Witnesses reported seeing a huge orange fireball as the oil refinery exploded .
  • Shortly before the crash the pilot had reported a malfunction of the aircraft's navigation system .
  • Her disappearance was reported to the police department's Missing Persons Bureau.
  • Do you have anything to report?
  • Several journalists have been killed or injured by stray bullets while reporting on the civil war .
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report verb ( GO )

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Phrasal verbs

Report noun [c] ( description ).

  • The report contains numerous demonstrable errors .
  • The prime minister issued a denial of the report that she is about to resign .
  • The content of her report is shrouded in secrecy .
  • We file these reports under country of origin .
  • The newspaper reports of the discussion only roughly approximated to what was actually said.
  • impact assessment
  • impact statement
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report noun [C] ( NOISE )

  • bang She slammed the door with a bang.
  • slam The window closed with a slam.
  • clash I can still hear the clash of metal against metal during the car crash.
  • clank My mechanic asked me to describe the clanks that my engine makes.
  • clang The jail door closed with a resounding clang.
  • thump He dropped his suitcase with a loud thump and sprinted up the steps.
  • bang around
  • click your fingers

report | American Dictionary

Report verb ( go somewhere ), report noun [c] ( tell ), report | business english, examples of report, collocations with report.

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Research Method

Home » Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and Types

Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and Types

Table of Contents

Research Report

Research Report

Definition:

Research Report is a written document that presents the results of a research project or study, including the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions, in a clear and objective manner.

The purpose of a research report is to communicate the findings of the research to the intended audience, which could be other researchers, stakeholders, or the general public.

Components of Research Report

Components of Research Report are as follows:

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the research report and provides a brief overview of the research question or problem being investigated. It should include a clear statement of the purpose of the study and its significance or relevance to the field of research. It may also provide background information or a literature review to help contextualize the research.

Literature Review

The literature review provides a critical analysis and synthesis of the existing research and scholarship relevant to the research question or problem. It should identify the gaps, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the literature and show how the current study addresses these issues. The literature review also establishes the theoretical framework or conceptual model that guides the research.

Methodology

The methodology section describes the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data. It should include information on the sample or participants, data collection instruments, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques. The methodology should be clear and detailed enough to allow other researchers to replicate the study.

The results section presents the findings of the study in a clear and objective manner. It should provide a detailed description of the data and statistics used to answer the research question or test the hypothesis. Tables, graphs, and figures may be included to help visualize the data and illustrate the key findings.

The discussion section interprets the results of the study and explains their significance or relevance to the research question or problem. It should also compare the current findings with those of previous studies and identify the implications for future research or practice. The discussion should be based on the results presented in the previous section and should avoid speculation or unfounded conclusions.

The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and restates the main argument or thesis presented in the introduction. It should also provide a brief overview of the contributions of the study to the field of research and the implications for practice or policy.

The references section lists all the sources cited in the research report, following a specific citation style, such as APA or MLA.

The appendices section includes any additional material, such as data tables, figures, or instruments used in the study, that could not be included in the main text due to space limitations.

Types of Research Report

Types of Research Report are as follows:

Thesis is a type of research report. A thesis is a long-form research document that presents the findings and conclusions of an original research study conducted by a student as part of a graduate or postgraduate program. It is typically written by a student pursuing a higher degree, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree, although it can also be written by researchers or scholars in other fields.

Research Paper

Research paper is a type of research report. A research paper is a document that presents the results of a research study or investigation. Research papers can be written in a variety of fields, including science, social science, humanities, and business. They typically follow a standard format that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections.

Technical Report

A technical report is a detailed report that provides information about a specific technical or scientific problem or project. Technical reports are often used in engineering, science, and other technical fields to document research and development work.

Progress Report

A progress report provides an update on the progress of a research project or program over a specific period of time. Progress reports are typically used to communicate the status of a project to stakeholders, funders, or project managers.

Feasibility Report

A feasibility report assesses the feasibility of a proposed project or plan, providing an analysis of the potential risks, benefits, and costs associated with the project. Feasibility reports are often used in business, engineering, and other fields to determine the viability of a project before it is undertaken.

Field Report

A field report documents observations and findings from fieldwork, which is research conducted in the natural environment or setting. Field reports are often used in anthropology, ecology, and other social and natural sciences.

Experimental Report

An experimental report documents the results of a scientific experiment, including the hypothesis, methods, results, and conclusions. Experimental reports are often used in biology, chemistry, and other sciences to communicate the results of laboratory experiments.

Case Study Report

A case study report provides an in-depth analysis of a specific case or situation, often used in psychology, social work, and other fields to document and understand complex cases or phenomena.

Literature Review Report

A literature review report synthesizes and summarizes existing research on a specific topic, providing an overview of the current state of knowledge on the subject. Literature review reports are often used in social sciences, education, and other fields to identify gaps in the literature and guide future research.

Research Report Example

Following is a Research Report Example sample for Students:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance among High School Students

This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and academic performance among high school students. The study utilized a quantitative research design, which involved a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 high school students. The findings indicate that there is a negative correlation between social media use and academic performance, suggesting that excessive social media use can lead to poor academic performance among high school students. The results of this study have important implications for educators, parents, and policymakers, as they highlight the need for strategies that can help students balance their social media use and academic responsibilities.

Introduction:

Social media has become an integral part of the lives of high school students. With the widespread use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, students can connect with friends, share photos and videos, and engage in discussions on a range of topics. While social media offers many benefits, concerns have been raised about its impact on academic performance. Many studies have found a negative correlation between social media use and academic performance among high school students (Kirschner & Karpinski, 2010; Paul, Baker, & Cochran, 2012).

Given the growing importance of social media in the lives of high school students, it is important to investigate its impact on academic performance. This study aims to address this gap by examining the relationship between social media use and academic performance among high school students.

Methodology:

The study utilized a quantitative research design, which involved a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 high school students. The questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and was designed to measure the frequency and duration of social media use, as well as academic performance.

The participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique, and the survey questionnaire was distributed in the classroom during regular school hours. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

The findings indicate that the majority of high school students use social media platforms on a daily basis, with Facebook being the most popular platform. The results also show a negative correlation between social media use and academic performance, suggesting that excessive social media use can lead to poor academic performance among high school students.

Discussion:

The results of this study have important implications for educators, parents, and policymakers. The negative correlation between social media use and academic performance suggests that strategies should be put in place to help students balance their social media use and academic responsibilities. For example, educators could incorporate social media into their teaching strategies to engage students and enhance learning. Parents could limit their children’s social media use and encourage them to prioritize their academic responsibilities. Policymakers could develop guidelines and policies to regulate social media use among high school students.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the negative impact of social media on academic performance among high school students. The findings highlight the need for strategies that can help students balance their social media use and academic responsibilities. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms by which social media use affects academic performance and to develop effective strategies for addressing this issue.

Limitations:

One limitation of this study is the use of convenience sampling, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations. Future studies should use random sampling techniques to increase the representativeness of the sample. Another limitation is the use of self-reported measures, which may be subject to social desirability bias. Future studies could use objective measures of social media use and academic performance, such as tracking software and school records.

Implications:

The findings of this study have important implications for educators, parents, and policymakers. Educators could incorporate social media into their teaching strategies to engage students and enhance learning. For example, teachers could use social media platforms to share relevant educational resources and facilitate online discussions. Parents could limit their children’s social media use and encourage them to prioritize their academic responsibilities. They could also engage in open communication with their children to understand their social media use and its impact on their academic performance. Policymakers could develop guidelines and policies to regulate social media use among high school students. For example, schools could implement social media policies that restrict access during class time and encourage responsible use.

References:

  • Kirschner, P. A., & Karpinski, A. C. (2010). Facebook® and academic performance. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1237-1245.
  • Paul, J. A., Baker, H. M., & Cochran, J. D. (2012). Effect of online social networking on student academic performance. Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, 8(1), 1-19.
  • Pantic, I. (2014). Online social networking and mental health. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(10), 652-657.
  • Rosen, L. D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-induced task-switching while studying. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(3), 948-958.

Note*: Above mention, Example is just a sample for the students’ guide. Do not directly copy and paste as your College or University assignment. Kindly do some research and Write your own.

Applications of Research Report

Research reports have many applications, including:

  • Communicating research findings: The primary application of a research report is to communicate the results of a study to other researchers, stakeholders, or the general public. The report serves as a way to share new knowledge, insights, and discoveries with others in the field.
  • Informing policy and practice : Research reports can inform policy and practice by providing evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers. For example, a research report on the effectiveness of a new drug could inform regulatory agencies in their decision-making process.
  • Supporting further research: Research reports can provide a foundation for further research in a particular area. Other researchers may use the findings and methodology of a report to develop new research questions or to build on existing research.
  • Evaluating programs and interventions : Research reports can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and interventions in achieving their intended outcomes. For example, a research report on a new educational program could provide evidence of its impact on student performance.
  • Demonstrating impact : Research reports can be used to demonstrate the impact of research funding or to evaluate the success of research projects. By presenting the findings and outcomes of a study, research reports can show the value of research to funders and stakeholders.
  • Enhancing professional development : Research reports can be used to enhance professional development by providing a source of information and learning for researchers and practitioners in a particular field. For example, a research report on a new teaching methodology could provide insights and ideas for educators to incorporate into their own practice.

How to write Research Report

Here are some steps you can follow to write a research report:

  • Identify the research question: The first step in writing a research report is to identify your research question. This will help you focus your research and organize your findings.
  • Conduct research : Once you have identified your research question, you will need to conduct research to gather relevant data and information. This can involve conducting experiments, reviewing literature, or analyzing data.
  • Organize your findings: Once you have gathered all of your data, you will need to organize your findings in a way that is clear and understandable. This can involve creating tables, graphs, or charts to illustrate your results.
  • Write the report: Once you have organized your findings, you can begin writing the report. Start with an introduction that provides background information and explains the purpose of your research. Next, provide a detailed description of your research methods and findings. Finally, summarize your results and draw conclusions based on your findings.
  • Proofread and edit: After you have written your report, be sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure that your report is well-organized and easy to read.
  • Include a reference list: Be sure to include a list of references that you used in your research. This will give credit to your sources and allow readers to further explore the topic if they choose.
  • Format your report: Finally, format your report according to the guidelines provided by your instructor or organization. This may include formatting requirements for headings, margins, fonts, and spacing.

Purpose of Research Report

The purpose of a research report is to communicate the results of a research study to a specific audience, such as peers in the same field, stakeholders, or the general public. The report provides a detailed description of the research methods, findings, and conclusions.

Some common purposes of a research report include:

  • Sharing knowledge: A research report allows researchers to share their findings and knowledge with others in their field. This helps to advance the field and improve the understanding of a particular topic.
  • Identifying trends: A research report can identify trends and patterns in data, which can help guide future research and inform decision-making.
  • Addressing problems: A research report can provide insights into problems or issues and suggest solutions or recommendations for addressing them.
  • Evaluating programs or interventions : A research report can evaluate the effectiveness of programs or interventions, which can inform decision-making about whether to continue, modify, or discontinue them.
  • Meeting regulatory requirements: In some fields, research reports are required to meet regulatory requirements, such as in the case of drug trials or environmental impact studies.

When to Write Research Report

A research report should be written after completing the research study. This includes collecting data, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions based on the findings. Once the research is complete, the report should be written in a timely manner while the information is still fresh in the researcher’s mind.

In academic settings, research reports are often required as part of coursework or as part of a thesis or dissertation. In this case, the report should be written according to the guidelines provided by the instructor or institution.

In other settings, such as in industry or government, research reports may be required to inform decision-making or to comply with regulatory requirements. In these cases, the report should be written as soon as possible after the research is completed in order to inform decision-making in a timely manner.

Overall, the timing of when to write a research report depends on the purpose of the research, the expectations of the audience, and any regulatory requirements that need to be met. However, it is important to complete the report in a timely manner while the information is still fresh in the researcher’s mind.

Characteristics of Research Report

There are several characteristics of a research report that distinguish it from other types of writing. These characteristics include:

  • Objective: A research report should be written in an objective and unbiased manner. It should present the facts and findings of the research study without any personal opinions or biases.
  • Systematic: A research report should be written in a systematic manner. It should follow a clear and logical structure, and the information should be presented in a way that is easy to understand and follow.
  • Detailed: A research report should be detailed and comprehensive. It should provide a thorough description of the research methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Accurate : A research report should be accurate and based on sound research methods. The findings and conclusions should be supported by data and evidence.
  • Organized: A research report should be well-organized. It should include headings and subheadings to help the reader navigate the report and understand the main points.
  • Clear and concise: A research report should be written in clear and concise language. The information should be presented in a way that is easy to understand, and unnecessary jargon should be avoided.
  • Citations and references: A research report should include citations and references to support the findings and conclusions. This helps to give credit to other researchers and to provide readers with the opportunity to further explore the topic.

Advantages of Research Report

Research reports have several advantages, including:

  • Communicating research findings: Research reports allow researchers to communicate their findings to a wider audience, including other researchers, stakeholders, and the general public. This helps to disseminate knowledge and advance the understanding of a particular topic.
  • Providing evidence for decision-making : Research reports can provide evidence to inform decision-making, such as in the case of policy-making, program planning, or product development. The findings and conclusions can help guide decisions and improve outcomes.
  • Supporting further research: Research reports can provide a foundation for further research on a particular topic. Other researchers can build on the findings and conclusions of the report, which can lead to further discoveries and advancements in the field.
  • Demonstrating expertise: Research reports can demonstrate the expertise of the researchers and their ability to conduct rigorous and high-quality research. This can be important for securing funding, promotions, and other professional opportunities.
  • Meeting regulatory requirements: In some fields, research reports are required to meet regulatory requirements, such as in the case of drug trials or environmental impact studies. Producing a high-quality research report can help ensure compliance with these requirements.

Limitations of Research Report

Despite their advantages, research reports also have some limitations, including:

  • Time-consuming: Conducting research and writing a report can be a time-consuming process, particularly for large-scale studies. This can limit the frequency and speed of producing research reports.
  • Expensive: Conducting research and producing a report can be expensive, particularly for studies that require specialized equipment, personnel, or data. This can limit the scope and feasibility of some research studies.
  • Limited generalizability: Research studies often focus on a specific population or context, which can limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations or contexts.
  • Potential bias : Researchers may have biases or conflicts of interest that can influence the findings and conclusions of the research study. Additionally, participants may also have biases or may not be representative of the larger population, which can limit the validity and reliability of the findings.
  • Accessibility: Research reports may be written in technical or academic language, which can limit their accessibility to a wider audience. Additionally, some research may be behind paywalls or require specialized access, which can limit the ability of others to read and use the findings.

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School Report

Examples of Writing a School Report

It’s practically a guarantee that you’ll encounter reports at various points of your life. These documents are everywhere, ranging from school to work or even more personal areas. When it comes to a school report, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with a lot of things. School report writing is one of those things. There’s also the school report meaning and many others. If you’re wondering where you can learn about these bits and pieces of trivia, then you’ve come to the right place. Scroll on to discover more, including an excellent school report example or school report template straight from our list of free downloads.

School Report Templates

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Pre School Report Card Template

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School Incident Report Template

school incident report template

Home school Report Card Template

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Primary School Report Template

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School Progress Report Template

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End of Year School Report Template

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School Project Report Template

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Simple Home School Report Card Template

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Size: 78 KB

Simple High School Report Card Template

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Size: 32 KB

Middle School Report Card Template

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Size: 75 KB

School Report Card Template

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Elementary School Report Card Template

elementary school report card template

Size: 62 KB

Free Blank Preschool Report Card Template

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High School Report Card Template

high school report card template

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Free Simple School Report Template

free simple school report template

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Free Sample School Report Template

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School Progress Report Card Template

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school project report template

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School Feasibility Report Template

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Free School Board Report Template

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Free School Annual Report Template

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Free School Visit Report Template

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Free School Incident Report Form Template

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Size: 38 KB

What Is a School Report?

Such a loaded question will have different answers depending on who you ask. For some, this is what people mean when they talk about college applications school report. Others may have student record reports in mind when they think of school reports. If you are going by one of its definitions, a school report can be the recommendation written by a school counselor. It is often used to help evaluate prospects to determine whether they are worth admitting to the school or not.

Tips for Writing School Reports

Writing a school report should not prove to be too much to handle, but one can always use a boost whenever possible. To help with your report writing , here are four tips that you can keep in mind as you go through the endeavor.

Tip 1: Be Direct

There’s no use sugar-coating whatever it is you are trying to communicate. If you’re an administrator with duties to fulfill, it’s best to stick to the point not only to save time but also to make yourself easier to understand. For students writing reports in PDF , few things will help your writing than greater readability.

Tip 2: Supply Evidence

When you claim something in your report, you must provide the necessary evidence to support that claim. This is not only true for school reports of all kinds, but also for reports like research reports . Without evidence, your statements won’t have as much credibility—if it will have any at all.

Tip 3: Utilize Checklists

You may have a lot of ground to cover with your report. With everything on your plate, it wouldn’t hurt to have something like a scholastic checklist to help you keep track of everything. School reports, after all, must be easy to understand and highly organized.

Tip 4: Involve All the Necessary People

If you are a teacher and you need to write a report about a student, be sure to involve the student in the making of the report. This does not mean that he or she has to be with you as you write it. Rather, be open to communication early on. Set proper student goals to evaluate at the end of a specific time period. This way, they can help you by providing the right content for your report.

What are the common elements of a report?

Each report may, at any given time, contain the following elements: a description of a sequence of events, an interpretation of the significance of said events, evaluation, recommendations , and conclusions.

Is a school report a transcript?

It can be if the report centers around items like an individual student’s grades or performance. However, some reports are not necessarily transcripts. Examples of that would include assignment  reports that are submitted in class.

How necessary are school reports?

School reports are often sent out to parents to inform them of their children’s academic performance . Such reports often come in the form of report cards. So with that said, it is absolutely necessary for school reports to be written and handed out.

School reports, as you now know, come in various forms. From the documents you create and submit to teachers to transcripts like a school report card , there’s just no escaping them. Having read our article from start to finish, you should now be better acquainted with school reports. Now all you have to do is make a choice regarding how you will apply this newly-gained knowledge. Will you keep browsing through our list of school report templates or will you make your own? Well, regardless of what you decide, be assured that you’re in an excellent position to make a well-informed choice. So choose wisely and act as soon as you can!

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Secondary School Report

The Secondary School Report is a form completed by the applicant's school counselor that provides Dartmouth with an overview of the applicant's academic record.

This form can be submitted online via the Common App . Along with the required School Report, your counselor should also submit their letter of recommendation , your high school transcript, and a school profile if available. 

The Secondary School Report is often confused with the school profile , which  provides summary information about the school itself.

A Final Secondary School Report is required from all enrolling students by June 1, and Transfer Applicants are required to submit a Final Secondary School Report as part of their application.

  • Recommendations
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  • Final Secondary School Report
  • College Report
  • School Profile

The Oklahoman

What we know and what we don't about death of Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict

A police investigation is underway after a 16-year-old Owasso High School student died earlier this month after sustaining injuries in an altercation on school grounds. Medical examiners are still completing their investigation into what killed Nex Benedict, but police said Feb. 21 that an autopsy determined Nex did not die as a result of trauma. 

The news of the high school sophomore's death has generated widespread attention, in part because of the student's gender-expansive identity and claims of bullying that led up to the fight.

More: Family identifies Nex Benedict as nonbinary Oklahoma teen who died after bathroom beating

Authorities have disclosed some information in the last week in an attempt to dispel rumors circulating online, but many questions remain unanswered, though, including what killed the 16-year-old.

What we know, and what we don't about, the death of Nex Benedict

What has the Owasso Police Department said happened that day?

According to the Owasso Police Department , officers were called to Bailey Medical Center at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 by the parent of a 16-year-old female student from Owasso High School.

Penny Hamrick, an Owasso police detective, wrote in a search warrant filed in Tulsa County courts that Nex's parent Sue Benedict wanted to report the assault and asked police to talk with school administrators about what had happened. Sue Benedict did not ask officers to pursue charges against the other students at that time, Hamrick wrote.

The Owasso police said no report of the fight was made to their department before the notification at the hospital, and a school resource officer took a report at the hospital.

The Owasso Police Department has released bodycam footage of a school resource officer's interview with Nex Benedict. The interview took place at an Owasso hospital about two hours after the Feb. 7 fight. Nex was later discharged from the hospital.

Nex was later discharged from the hospital.

But shortly before 3 p.m. the next day, Benedict called 911 to report Nex was experiencing medical issues, including shallow breathing. Sue Benedict told the 911 operator about the altercation at school and said Nex had hit their head on the bathroom floor, Hamrick wrote.

Emergency medical crews performed CPR on Nex and drove them to a Tulsa hospital, where they were pronounced dead around 3:30 p.m.

More: Family, friends of Nex Benedict remember Owasso teen: 'We are incredibly sad'

What's happened in the Owasso police investigation so far?

Lt. Nick Boatman, a spokesman for Owasso Police, said police are “conducting a very active and thorough investigation” and are anticipating autopsy and toxicology results. Boatman said he cannot comment on any possible charges related to the case until officers receive more information from medical examiners.

“We do not want to make any rash conclusions about any part of the investigation or the cause of death,” he said in an email. “Unfortunately, it’s just going to take time.”

In the search warrant filed in Tulsa courts by Owasso police, Hamrick said police were looking for traces of blood, as well as searching school records, including photographs, documents and attendance data.

In a document indicating what officers had collected, Hamrick said police gathered 137 photos and collected two swabs from stains in a bathroom. They also obtained school records, she wrote.

"Owasso police officers suspect foul play involved and need to initiate an in-depth investigation into the death," Hamrick wrote.

Owasso police said they are spending several days interviewing students and teachers, then will turn over their findings to the Tulsa County district attorney’s office. 

Officers also may bring in other agencies, such as the FBI, if they determine a major crime occurred, said Lt. Nick Boatman, a spokesman for Owasso Police. 

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office based in Tulsa said she could not confirm nor deny whether the office was involved in the case. 

Boatman said investigators are still waiting for initial autopsy results before deciding whether to recommend charges be filed in the case. The state medical examiner’s office said its full investigation into the student’s death could take four to six months.

More: Police investigating death of Owasso student who died the day after school bathroom beating

Nex's family plans to conduct an independent investigation, relatives confirmed in their statement issued Feb. 21. They also urged officials to "hold those responsible to account and to ensure it never happens again."

What has the Owasso Public School District said?

District officials had been tight-lipped about what happened. But in a statement issued Tuesday , spokesman Jordan Korphage pushed back against “statements that call into question the district’s commitment to student safety and security.”

Korphage said a fight happened in a school bathroom on the afternoon of Feb. 7. He said the students were in the bathroom for less than two minutes before other students and a school employee broke up the fight. 

He said a nurse checked on all students and recommended one teen seek further medical attention “out of the abundance of caution.” Korphage disputed claims that the teen who later died was unable to walk immediately after the fight.

“All students involved in the altercation walked under their own power to the assistant principal’s office and nurse’s office,” he said.

He declined to say how many students were involved. He also said he could not say whether any students were disciplined afterward, citing privacy laws. 

What are people saying about Nex Benedict on TikTok, social media

Word of the student's death spread across social media platforms like TikTok the weekend after Nex's funeral was held.

Many platforms have cited 2 News in Tulsa, which reported that the teen and a classmate were beaten in a school bathroom by three older students. The television station spoke with a woman who said her daughter was the other student injured in the fight. 

The woman, who was not named in the news report, claimed school officials did not seek emergency medical care for the student who later died. 

Many on social media cite right-wing rhetoric shared by Oklahoma politicians as a cause for vitriol toward nonbinary individuals.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What we know and what we don't about death of Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict

Owasso student Nex Benedict

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