a in report card

Report Cards and Test Scores Login

• Grades K-5, Wednesday, January 24, 2024
• Grades 6-8, Thursday, January 25, 2024
• Grades 9-12, Friday, January 26, 2024
• Charter schools may choose alternative reporting methods. Please check with your charter school if your report card is not posted.

Please call your school for questions regarding report cards, grades, or test scores.

MAKE WAVES WITH THIS FREE WEEKLONG VOCABULARY UNIT!

100 Report Card Comments You Can Use Now

When teachers talk about the joys of teaching, I’m pretty sure they aren’t talking about report card writing. It may just rank right up there with indoor recess, yard duty, and staff meetings. But report cards don’t have to be such a pain.

Here are a few report card general principles, followed by my handy dandy list of editable go-to phrases…

Three Report Card Comment Principles

1. Be Truthful but Kind

A report card’s main purpose is to inform parents about their child’s progress. While there should be no major surprises ( BIG/major issues should have already been discussed with the child’s parents/guardians ), regardless of how well the child is doing or how poorly, the report card should be an honest reflection of that child’s performance.

Having said that, of course, we want to word things in a way that is as positive as we can be and in a way that is encouraging, offering suggestions for improvement, rather than discouragement.

2. Follow the Magical Report Card Comment Format

If the child is doing well overall… you are golden!!! An easy report card is one that I LOVE to do. Unfortunately, not all students are Einsteins or angels, and we have to mention some areas that need improvement. That’s when we use the magical format, which is…

A. Start with a compliment… you might have to dig deep here and get creative, while still being genuine. Remember, every student has attributes we can praise, even the most challenging ones. You might mention the child’s attitude, personality, social skills, sense of humor, willingness or desire to help, special skill in art/music, etc.

B. Next, add a line or two about what is challenging the child , and how he/she struggles in a certain area. Don’t include a laundry list of 20 things to work on. Prioritize the list and highlight the MOST important issues. Also, do make sure to offer a solution or suggestion that is practical and helpful .

C. End on a positive note. Again, a compliment is a nice touch any time of the year, and for the end of the year report card, a best wishes for ____ grade or have a wonderful summer, or I’m so glad to have been ____’s teacher this year, and so on works well.

3. Proofread and Check, then Proofread Again

Report card time is crunch time, and when we’re trying to speed through things and get them done, those nasty little typos pop up where we least expect them.

Do make sure to double-check everything before you hit enter/print to send them home. All communication with parents is seen as a reflection of ourselves as teachers and should be as perfect as we can make it.

Now that the principles are out of the way, here is my list of 100+ report card comments (updated to include 150 comments!).

I’ve included a wide variety of comments for the wide variety of ability levels and behavioral challenges of the students that we teach in our classrooms..

Want your own set of 150 comments in three formats – Printable PDF, editable PowerPoint, and Editable Digital? Click here to take a peek!

OPENING / CLOSING – POSITIVE:

• _____has worked very hard this semester/year, and I am proud of all of his/her accomplishments.
• ______ is making/has made good/excellent/wonderful/outstanding progress in _____ grade.
• _____ has done a(n)/fantastic/exemplary/wonderful/excellent job this year/semester in _____ grade and has worked so very hard.
• I appreciate _____’s quality work/motivation to do well/attitude, and I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
•  ______ arrives at school each day with a positive/cheerful/happy attitude, ready to learn.
• _____ is an excellent _____ grader, and he/she has made our classroom a better place.
• _____ is doing/has done an(a) excellent/ outstanding/wonderful/ great/ fantastic job overall this semester/year.
• _______has made good/excellent/extraordinary/fantastic/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• _____ is bright, motivated, and hard-working and can be proud of his/her accomplishments this semester/year.
• _____ is intrinsically motivated and strives to please/produce top-quality/excellent work. I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
• _____ seems to enjoy school, and his/her positive attitude brightens up our classroom.
• _____is a bright and inquisitive student who enjoys learning. He/she is a pleasure to have in class.
• _____ has learned a great deal this semester/year and has shown particular progress/improvement in _____.
• _______ is a(an) hard-working/attentive/determined student and is working/doing well in all subject areas.
• _____ is a very polite/hard-working/bright student and a pleasure to be around. I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
• _____is a(n) awesome/wonderful/amazing/fabulous ____ grader, and I have enjoyed getting to know him/her this year.
• I am so proud of _____ and wish him/her well for _____ grade and beyond.
• I have truly enjoyed being _____’s teacher and will miss him/her next year.
• I have enjoyed teaching ______ this year. He/she loves to learn and has shown growth throughout the year. Wishing him/her continued success.
• _____ has been a wonderful_____ grader, and I’m so glad to have him in class. His/her great attitude/strong work ethic/hard work/determination are to be admired. He/she has a bright future ahead.
• _____ is a hard-working/bright/likable/motivated student. I have thoroughly enjoyed having him/her in class this year. Have a wonderful summer!

ACADEMIC – POSITIVE :

• _______has made good/excellent/wonderful/fantastic/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• _______ is a(an) hard-working/attentive/determined student and is working well in all subject areas.
• _____ shows strong knowledge/strengths in the area of _____.
• _____ has exceeded expectations in ______.
• _____ demonstrates superior work in ______. I appreciate his/her dedication and effort.
• _____ consistently puts forth his/her best effort in _____, which is wonderful/lovely/great to see.
• _____ shows special/unique/particular strengths in the area of social studies/science/reading/writing/math… and has done very well this trimester/year.
• _____ seems to enjoy reading/writing/math/science/social .. and has done an excellent/amazing job this year.
• _____ has a good understanding/sense of theme/the main idea/ characters/ plot/ inferences, which strengthens his/her reading ability.
• _____ reads smoothly and with good expression.
• _____ is able to use data from graphs and charts/use a compass successfully/convert measurements correctly.
• _____ uses reading strategies such as _____ effectively, which increases his/her reading comprehension.
• _____ has a large/extensive/rich vocabulary, which adds to his/her ability to write effectively.
• _____ enjoys poetry/reading/music/science/art… and excels in it.
•  _____ is a very talented artist/writer, and I truly enjoy the detail/attention/ passion he/she puts into his/her artwork/writing.
• _____ excels in creative/narrative/opinion/expository/report writing…
• _____ produces stories/essays/paragraphs/research reports that are well-organized/ developed.
• _____ has strong reading comprehension/math computation skills.
• _____ is a creative student, and I have enjoyed seeing the wonderful writing/art projects/drawings he/she has created/written.
• _____ uses higher-level thinking skills to complete challenging assignments.
• _____ demonstrates a good understanding of math/reading/social studies/science… concepts.
• _____ shows strong problem-solving skills in math/decoding skills in reading/grammar skills in writing/map skills in social studies…
• _____ goes beyond grade-level expectations in _____. He/she often/ consistently sets and meets/exceeds academic goals.
• _____ demonstrates a deep understanding of _____ concepts.
• _____ has an impressive understanding and knowledge of _____.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS SHOWN – POSITIVE:

• ______has strengthened his/her skills in _____.
• ______has made good/excellent/wonderful/fantastic/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• ______ has made good/great/tremendous/significant improvement in _____.
• _____ has worked hard to raise his/her grade in _____, and I appreciate his/her effort.
• _____ has learned a great deal this semester/year and has shown particular improvement in _____.
• _____ has shown steady progress/strong gains/excellent progress in the area of _____. I’m pleased with his/her effort.
• _____ is making good progress in ______ this semester. Please encourage him/her to continue to ______.
• _____ has shown improvement in _____, which is great to see. Please encourage him/her to continue to _____ each day/in the coming weeks to keep the momentum going.
• _____ is making good progress in ______ but would benefit from ______ to continue showing growth.
• I have been pleased to see that _____ is continuing to grow/consistently progressing/improving steadily in independence in/with ______.
• _____’s quality of work has shown good/great/exceptional growth this semester.

ACADEMIC – IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:

• _____is intelligent but works below his/her capacity/potential due to a lack of motivation/attention to quality work.
• Unfortunately, _____’s grades have suffered from missing assignments.
• _____is gaining confidence in _____ but would benefit from _____.
• Please encourage _____ to _____each day to help him/her improve in _____.
• _____ seems to find _____ challenging and would benefit from reading nightly/practicing math facts/working online…
• _____ is capable of achieving a higher grade in _____ but needs to______ in order to make progress.
• _____ seems to have difficulty at times with reading comprehension/ math computation/writing paragraphs… and would benefit from _____.
• _____ needs to slow down in order to produce quality/carefully done work.
• _____ needs to memorize his/her basic math facts in order to complete complex math problems more easily/efficiently/quickly.
• _____ would benefit from _____ to fully memorize basic math facts.
• Memorizing basic addition/multiplication math facts would be very helpful to _____.
• Science/social studies tests have been very difficult for _____, and he/she would benefit from increasing the time spent studying the material.
• This trimester, I would like to see _____ to work on _____.
• This trimester, it would be helpful for _____ to focus on _____ in order to _____.
• _____ needs lots of repetition and practice in order to retain _____.
• I would like to see _____ pay closer attention to _____ in order to _____.
• When ______ is motivated, he/she does well on class assignments.
• _____ is excelling in many skills but needs to concentrate on ______.
• I would like to see ____ focus on _____ each day/in the coming months.
• _____ shows interest/has enthusiasm/seems motivated for everything we do in class. However, he/she is having some difficulty with ______. It would be helpful if he/she would ______ each night.
• Even with extra help, _____ experiences difficulty with _____. It would benefit ______ to ______.
• _____ rarely asks for help when he/she is confused/doesn’t understand something. We will continue to encourage _____ to ask for assistance whenever it is needed.
• _____ exhibits minimal confidence in his/her ______ skills. It would be helpful to _____.
• _____ is struggling to meet/maintain grade-level expectations in _____. Let’s work together to help _____ be successful in this area.

WORK HABITS AND QUALITY OF WORK – POSITIVE:

• _____ completes his/her work carefully and completely/thoroughly.
• I appreciate _____’s neat work, which is carefully done.
•  _____ is very organized and finds needed materials easily.
• ______ pays attention to detail in his/her assignments, and I appreciate the high quality of his/her work.
• _____ turns in work that is beautifully/carefully/thoroughly done.
• _____ has a strong work ethic and never completes any assignment halfway.
• _____ is very responsible and turns in assignments/homework on time.
• ____ takes tremendous pride in his/her work and completes assignments carefully.
• _____ is focused on creating quality work and completes assignments carefully/thoroughly.
• _____’s attention to detail can be seen in the quality of his/her work. I appreciate the care he/she takes in each assignment.
• _____ takes pride in his/her work and consistently turns in neat and carefully completed work.
• _____’s motivation/attitude is reflected in the work he/she turns in/creates. I am pleased to see his/her well-thought-out/thoroughly completed assignments.
• I appreciate ______’s dedication to his/her learning/studies in class.

WORK HABITS AND QUALITY OF WORK – IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:

• _____ needs to complete his/her work carefully and completely/ thoroughly.
• _____ would benefit by taking responsibility to turn in assignments and/or homework on time.
• I am concerned about _____’s organizational skills and his/her responsibility related to turning in assignments on time.
• ______ struggles with organizational skills in the classroom and needs to keep his/her desk/workspace neater to make his/her day run more smoothly.
• _____ struggles to find needed papers/materials and would benefit from using a folder/a binder/keeping a neater desk…
• _____ tends to work too quickly, often resulting in careless mistakes.
• I would like to see _____ focus on _____ in the coming months.
• This trimester, I would like _____ to work on _____.
• I would like to see _____ pay closer attention to ____ in order to _____.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR – POSITIVE:

• _____ follows classroom rules consistently and is a good role model.
• _____ has a positive attitude and is a joy to teach.
•  _____ is on task regardless of the activity.
•  _____ seems to enjoy school, and his/her positive attitude brightens up our classroom.
•  _____ listens attentively to directions, and I appreciate his/her ability to understand the assignment and to start work right away.
•  _____ has an excellent attitude and is always willing to lend a hand.
•  _____ is a(an) wonderful/excellent helper and a classroom leader.
•  _____ is polite to classmates and to all adults on staff at school.
• _____ arrives at school each day with a positive/happy attitude, ready to learn.
• _____ works independently and is able to complete enrichment activities when he/she is finished with required assignments.
• _____ is able to focus and stays on task during independent working times.
•  _____ uses class time constructively/efficiently/wisely.
•  _____ works respectfully during independent work times.
• ____ is a hard-working student who sets goals and reaches them.
• _____ is a dependable/responsible/conscientious student.
• _____ has made great strides this year in terms of _____ in the classroom/on the playground.
• _____ has a strong work ethic and takes responsibilities seriously.
• _____is a very respectful/kind/caring/considerate classmate/student, and I appreciate having him/her in class.
• _____ shows determination/perseverance when faced with a challenging task.
• _____ enjoys participating in class lessons, and his/her background knowledge adds a great deal to our discussions.
• _____ is able to share appropriate and relevant information, which adds to classroom discussions.
• _____ is an active participant in small groups as well as whole-class discussions/activities/projects.
• _____ listens well and takes an active role in class lessons/class discussions/class activities/group work.
• _____’s persistence/determination/hard work in _____ is exemplary.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR – IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:

• _____ is intelligent but works below his/her capacity/potential due to off-task behaviors/a lack of motivation/attention to quality work.
• _______ has done well in many areas, but I am concerned that his/her lack of listening/focus/motivation and following directions/working independently/working quietly has contributed to his lower grade in _____.
• _____ struggles with following classroom rules and needs to focus on working quietly/staying in his/her seat…
•  _____ is very talkative during quiet working periods and distracts others around him/her.
•  Working quietly is very difficult for _____, and I would like him/her to focus on his/her work so that he/she, as well as others around him/her, are able to attend to the task at hand/learn more effectively/concentrate…
•  _____ needs to listen and follow directions carefully during class time.
•  I would like to see _____ put more effort into showing respect/kindness/ thoughtfulness to his classmates to strengthen social skills.
•  _____ needs to work on taking turns speaking/working more cooperatively with classmates.
• _____ needs to focus on raising his/her hand to speak/listening to others/waiting for others to finish before speaking/listening skills.
• ______’s listening skills need improvement.
•  This trimester, I would like _____ to focus on _____ in order to _____.
• Academically, _____ is doing well overall. I would like him/her to focus on showing more kindness/respect/cooperation to his/her classmates.
•  _____ needs frequent reminders to stay on task throughout the school day.
• _____ needs to follow school rules at lunchtime and on the playground.
•  _____ gets along well with classmates, but needs to work on staying on task and not socializing.
• _____ is an intelligent student with great potential. However, he/she needs to work on staying focused in class and following directions.
• _____ is very social and is well-liked. His/her conversations during independent work times, though, have made it difficult for _____, as well as those around him/her, to finish work successfully/to create quality work/to concentrate on the task at hand/to learn/ to complete assignments.
• _____ has a social personality, but his/her chatting in class can be disruptive. He/she needs to work on staying focused during class so he/she and others around him/her can complete class assignments/stay on task.
• _____ is often eager to participate in class discussions but needs to remember to raise his/her hand/wait to be called on…
• _____ has made progress with ______ but is still struggling. Let’s continue to encourage ______ to ______.

MOTIVATION – POSITIVE:

• _____ succeeds at whatever task he/she puts his/her mind to.
• _____ sets high standards for himself/herself and reaches them.
• _____ is intrinsically motivated and strives to please/produce top-quality/excellent work.
• _____ enjoys being challenged and would benefit from _____.
• I appreciate _____’s quality work/motivation to do well/positive attitude, and I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
• _____ is truly/genuinely eager to learn and asks questions appropriately when needed.
• _____ shows interest and enthusiasm for classroom activities and seems to enjoy learning.
• _____ shows determination/perseverance when faced with any task/a challenging task.
•  _____ is a hard-working student who sets goals and reaches them.
• _____ is self-motivated and consistently produces quality work.

SOCIAL SKILLS/CHARACTER – POSITIVE:

• _____ is respectful to his/her classmates and is very well-liked.
•  _____ is helpful and kind and is a pleasure to be around.
• _____ works well with other students.
•  _____ not only works well with his/her classmates but is a natural leader.
• _____ is very compassionate and always shows kindness to others.
• _____ is polite to classmates and to all adults on staff at school.
• _____ is respectful and considerate of others.
•  _____ demonstrates positive character traits in the classroom.
• _____ is positive/confident and is a great role model for his/her classmates.
• _____ is an exceptionally thoughtful student who is consistently considerate/respectful/kind to others.
• _____is a very respectful/kind/caring/considerate classmate, and I appreciate having him/her in class.
• _____ is a likable student with strong social skills. He/she works well with others.
• _____has a positive attitude/is a very polite student and is a joy to teach.
• _____ is a hard-working student who sets goals and reaches them.
• _____ is a problem solver and shows a great deal of persistence.
• _____ displays good citizenship in our classroom.
• _____ has an excellent attitude and is always willing to lend a hand.
• _____ is a(an) wonderful/excellent helper and a classroom leader.
• I am enjoying/have enjoyed _____’s sense of humor in our classroom.
• _____ has a wonderful personality, and his/her sense of humor makes me smile.
• _____ is a flexible learner and adapts easily to new challenges.
• _____ works respectfully during independent work times.
• _____ makes a sincere effort and works hard in class.
• _____ is a kind and caring student who is a good friend to others.
• _____ does his/her best in school each day. I appreciate his/her positive attitude/motivation/determination.
• _____ is an enthusiastic member of the class and comes to school each day ready to learn. I appreciate his/her positive outlook/hard-working attitude/approach to learning.

SOCIAL SKILLS/CHARACTER – NEEDS IMPROVEMENT:

•  _______ is an intelligent student with great potential. He/she needs to work on staying focused in class and following directions.
•  ______ needs frequent reminders to stay on task/focus throughout the school day.
•  _____ is excelling in many skills but needs to concentrate on ______.
• I would like to see ____ focus on/work to improve _____ in the coming months.
• ___ needs to focus on/practice raising his/her hand to speak/listening to others/waiting for others to finish before speaking/listening skills.
• I would like to see _____ put more effort into showing respect/kindness/ thoughtfulness to his classmates to strengthen/improve social skills.
• _____ needs to work on taking turns speaking/working cooperatively with classmates.
• _____ has a wonderful personality but needs to work more respectfully during independent/quiet work times…
• _____ needs to work on showing more respect/kindness/ compassion/ cooperation to his/her classmates.
• _____ needs to practice showing cooperation when working with other students/in small groups/during centers/during specials…

If you’d like your own set of report card comments in three formats (printable PDF, editable PowerPoint, and editable Digital in Google Slides) from The Teacher Next Door, please click here: 👉 100+ Report Card Comments You Can Use Now

Need a new favorite marking pen for your report cards? These are my personal favorite. I love ballpoint pens because they don’t bleed through, and they come in a rainbow of colors.

Click here to grab a set of your own! 

WHILE YOU’RE HERE…

Did you know that i have a free resource library full of exclusive upper elementary resources that you won’t find anywhere else.

Click the image below to grab your resources now!

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS: 

What is standards-based grading why is it so hard and how to tackle it, how to make the most of reading assessments, why reading centers are more important than ever in the upper elementary classroom.

Thanks for stopping by!

* This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, The Teacher Next Door, LLC receives a few cents on the dollar. This commission directly supports us as a small business and ensures that we can continue to create high-quality content for upper elementary teachers, like yourself!  As always, the products shared are tried, true, and tested. Enjoy! 

• Read more about: Classroom Ideas

You might also like...

20 Must-Have TikTok Amazon Finds to Improve Your Teacher-Life

If you’re anything like me, you love all the tips, tricks, and deals to make your life easier! As a teacher and a mom, I

Indoor Recess Activities Your Students Will LOVE!

Two little words that teachers everywhere dread: indoor recess.  Did you get chills just reading that? Totally understandable, it’s no one’s favorite thing! Indoor recess

3 Absolute Must-Do’s for Upper Elementary Teachers in January

It might be hard to believe, but January is already here again! The school year is certainly flying by. I hope that you and your

Hi, I’m Jenn, CEO and owner of The Teacher Next Door!

I know that you strive to be an effective upper elementary teacher while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In order to do that, you need resources that are impactful, yet simple .

The problem is that most resources and curriculums out there are far from simple. The pages upon pages of daily lesson plans are just plain overwhelming .

At TTND, we believe teachers should be living their lives outside of the classroom, and not spend hours lesson planning and searching for resources.

We understand that now, more than ever, teachers need space to be themselves which is why we create and support teachers with timesaving tips and standards-aligned resources.

Want access to TTND's Free Resource Library? Sign up for our newsletter and we'll email you the exclusive password!

Trending posts.

SEARCH BY TOPIC

• Classroom Ideas
• Holidays and Seasonal
• Mentor Texts
• Reading Block
• Uncategorized
• Writing & Grammar

POPULAR RESOURCES

Facebook Group

Teachers Pay Teachers

Free Resource Library

💌 Contact Us

Disclosures

Privacy Policy

Refund Policy

Purchase Orders

Your Downloads

Reward Points

©  The Teacher Next Door, LLC. All rights reserved.

* Please note: If your school has strong email filters, you may wish to use your personal email to ensure access.

Engaging the 21st Century Learner

4-day workshop may 6 - 9, culture & climate, full day workshop jun 19, social-emotional learning, full day workshop jun 20, close reading & text-dependent questions, full day workshop jun 21, the flipped classroom, 2-day workshop jun 25 & 26, effective classroom management, full day workshop jul 15, reclaiming the joy of teaching, full day workshop jul 16, growth mindset, full day workshop jul 17, project-based learning, full day workshop jul 18.

Designing Effective Standards-Based Report Cards – 4 Implementation Steps

The conversation surrounding student assessment is ever-evolving, and one topic that has gained considerable attention is the concept of standards-based report cards.

This innovative approach to student evaluation is reshaping how educators, students, and parents understand and engage with the learning process.

In the following post, we will delve deeply into the world of standards-based report cards, highlighting their purpose, benefits, and how they stand apart from traditional report cards.

Moreover, we will guide you through the process of designing your own effective standards-based report card, and provide practical examples and insights that will help you enhance student achievement.

Whether you’re an educator, school administrator, or a parent seeking clarity, this post aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this transformative aspect of modern education.

Understanding Standards-Based Report Cards

A standards-based report card is a type of student progress report that provides detailed feedback based on specific learning standards. Unlike traditional report cards that generally assign a single grade for each subject, standards-based report cards break down the subject into specific skills or benchmarks, and the student is graded on each one.

This approach allows for a more precise and comprehensive evaluation of a student’s learning and capabilities.

The primary purpose of using standards-based report cards is to offer a clear representation of the student’s academic performance against a predefined set of standards. These standards outline what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level. The student is then rated as either proficient, partially proficient, or not yet there in relation to the academic standard.

The Role of Standards-Based Assessments in Report Cards

Standards-based assessments differ from traditional assessments as they aim to measure a student’s mastery of specific learning standards.

Instead of assigning an overall grade to a subject, these assessments allow educators to assess each standard individually. This approach provides a more precise picture of a student’s strengths and areas that need improvement.

Furthermore, standards-based assessments provide the necessary data to create a meaningful report card. They serve as the foundation upon which the report card is built, informing the ratings and comments that are ultimately shared with students and parents. For example, a student might be rated as ‘proficient’ in mathematical problem-solving but ‘developing’ in mathematical reasoning.

Through the use of standards-based assessments, teachers can provide specific, actionable feedback that helps students grow and improve. For instance, instead of receiving a B- in English, a student might learn that they excel at comprehension but need to work on their writing skills.

This level of detail is one of the defining features of standards-based report cards, and it’s made possible by the use of standards-based assessments.

Tired of only measuring left-brained skills?

It's time to reimagine what your students are capable of doing. Take our standards-based grading workshop today to get started on a new path.

The Advantages of Standards-Based Report Cards

Standards-based report cards offer significant advantages over traditional grading systems. For one, they offer a more accurate reflection of student learning and performance. Instead of a single letter grade, standards-based report cards offer detailed feedback on specific skills or knowledge areas. This means educators, students, and parents can clearly see where a student excels and where improvement is needed.

Moreover, standards-based report cards provide more detailed feedback on student performance. Each standard is assessed individually, allowing teachers to provide precise and targeted feedback. This can help students understand their strengths and weaknesses in a more nuanced way, and work towards improving specific areas of their learning.

Lastly, standards-based report cards facilitate individualized instruction and learning. By identifying a student’s specific strengths and weaknesses, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet individual learning needs. This personalized approach can lead to improved student engagement and ultimately, higher academic achievement.

As such, standards-based report cards are not just a more comprehensive grading system, but a tool for fostering a more effective and personalized learning environment.

Designing an Effective Standards-Based Report Card Process in Your School—4 Steps

Designing an effective standards-based report card involves a systematic process that requires careful thought and planning.

This process starts with identifying the standards and learning goals that are aligned with the curriculum. These standards must be clear, specific, and measurable to ensure valid and reliable assessments.

Once the standards have been identified, the next step is to develop criteria for grading. These criteria should be directly aligned with the standards and should provide clear expectations for students. They should also be fair and objective, allowing for accurate, consistent, and meaningful grading.

The third step is to create a clear and understandable format for the report card. This includes deciding on the structure of the report card, the grading scale, and the language used to describe student performance. The format should be user-friendly and easily understandable by all stakeholders, including students, parents, and other educators.

Lastly, involve and educate all stakeholders in the process. The success of a standards-based report card is largely dependent on the understanding and support of everyone involved. This includes parents, who need to understand the new grading system, and students, who need to know what is expected of them. Teachers, too, need to be adequately trained on how to use the standards-based report card system effectively.

Remember, the goal is to design a report card that accurately reflects a student’s progress toward meeting learning standards, providing a clear picture of their strengths and areas for improvement. With thoughtful consideration and planning, you can design a report card that accurately reflects the curriculum.

Potential Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Standards-Based Report Cards

When implementing standards-based report cards, it’s not uncommon to encounter initial resistance from teachers, parents, and students. This resistance often stems from unfamiliarity with the new system, the perceived complexity of standards-based report cards, or concerns about fairness and objectivity in grading.

It’s crucial to acknowledge and address these concerns to ensure successful implementation.

To combat the initial resistance, a comprehensive re-education and training process is necessary. Teachers should be provided with professional development opportunities to understand and effectively use the new report card system. Parents might benefit from informational sessions or materials explaining the benefits and workings of a standards-based report card .

Additionally, students may need guidance and support to understand how their learning will be evaluated under the new system. This can be achieved through classroom discussions, student-friendly versions of the report cards, or other educational resources.

The transition to a new report card system can be a significant task, but with the right approach and resources, these challenges can be overcome. By investing in education and communication, schools can facilitate a smooth transition to a system that ultimately enhances student learning and success.

The Impact of Standards-Based Report Cards on Student Success

Standards-based report cards have a profound impact on student success by providing a more accurate reflection of a student’s progress and learning. Unlike traditional report cards that tend to focus on averages and numerical scores, standards-based report cards assess students on their proficiency in specific skill sets and knowledge areas.

This offers a more comprehensive understanding of a student’s academic strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted interventions and support.

The implementation of standards-based report cards can lead to a noticeable improvement in student performance as more detailed feedback allows educators to pinpoint areas of difficulty and customize their teaching strategies to address these specific needs. Consequently, students then become more invested in their learning, taking ownership of their progress and working towards clear, tangible goals.

Ready to Transition Away From one-size-fits all grading?

Don't let your students fall through the cracks. Take the first step towards educating yourself on the benefits of standards-based grading with our online course.

Moreover, standards-based report cards foster a growth mindset among students. By focusing on skills and competencies over scores, these report cards emphasize the value of learning and improvement. They send a message that effort and persistence can lead to growth, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than as setbacks.

In the long term, this kind of perspective can contribute to lifelong learning, preparing students for the demands of the ever-evolving 21st-century job market . By emphasizing transferable skills over rote memorization, standards-based report cards equip students with the tools and mindset they need to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Standards-Based Report Cards and Strobel Education

To support educators in this transition, Strobel Education provides a wealth of resources and tools.

These include comprehensive professional development programs such as live workshops and online courses which are aimed at equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to design and implement effective standards-based report cards. Furthermore, the organization offers a range of practical resources, such as templates and guides, to ease the process of creating standards-based report cards.

Strobel Education also offers support in the form of consultation services. Experienced education professionals are available to provide insight, advice, and personalized assistance to schools and districts transitioning to a standards-based report card system.

This personalized support ensures that educators are not alone in this process and can confidently make the shift with the backing of a team of experts.

Take the First Step Toward a More Comprehensive Grading System

As we’ve explored, standards-based report cards are an innovative and effective tool for measuring student success, providing clear, detailed feedback that facilitates individualized instruction. Yet, embarking on a new journey always comes with its challenges.

Strobel Education is committed to supporting educators in this transition. With our range of services, including live virtual workshops, online training courses, and on-site training, we provide the knowledge, tools, and mindset shifts necessary for successful implementation.

Let us help you design and implement effective standards-based report cards, fostering a positive school climate and promoting student-centered learning.

Reach out today and take a major step towards enhancing your assessment methods and amplifying student achievement.

Related Posts

Overcoming Challenges: Community Engagement in Standards-Based Education

Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Standards-Based Grading Systems

Reimagining Grading and Assessment Practices in 21st Century Education

Subscribe to our blog today, keep in touch.

Copyright 2024 Strobel Education, all rights reserved.

Designing Effective Standards-Based Report Cards – 4 Implementation Steps Individual Pay via PO

We are unable to directly process purchase orders. Please contact us with your request and we will immediately respond to assist you in purchasing.

• [email protected]
• 888.MyEdNav
• 1033 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States

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.

Attendance Works Handouts

Tips and handouts for families on improving attendance.

National PTA Parents' Guide to Success

The National PTA offers these year-by-year guides to help parents understand what their kids should be working on in school.

Don’t miss a beat.

Sign up for our email list to get timely resources and early access to new content.

Related Resources

How to tell if your child is failing in school, 4 questions to ask at your parent-teacher conference, what parents need to know about standardized tests, what parents need to know when school isn’t being responsive, get the guide by email.

You’ll get early access to our newest resources, timely tips on how to support your child, and more!

• Try for free

Report Card Comments & Phrases for All Subjects

Meaningful Report Card Comments & Phrases

Report card comments help parents to understand where their child is growing or struggling as a student. Save time while properly addressing each student's needs with our selection of resources.

Stumped by what to say and tired of writing the same things over and over again while writing report card comments?

Our report card comment resources will help you:

• Save time and speed up your report card process
• Address any grade and subject with easily adaptable phrases
• Cover important areas such as: work habits, citizenship, math, reading, and attitude

As every teacher knows, report card comments are a critical part to each student's evaluation and assessment —and now one knows your students better than you.

Report card comments help parents to understand where their child is growing or struggling as a student. Are there things that their child excels at or struggles with? The valuable information you provide can help the parent address any challenges their child may be struggling with in the classroom. They can also be used to praise a child's accomplishments and hard work, giving that student the encouragement they deserve.

Our editors gathered hundreds of report card comments, phrases, and ideas for teachers to better evaluate student progress, communicate more effectively, and work more efficiently.

You'll also find handouts to give to parents that include advice on dealing with report cards and grades.

Report Card Comments by Grade

Report Card Comments for Kindergarteners This list of 96 ready-to-use comments covers academics, personality and attitude, work habits, and social skills for kindergarten report cards.

Report Card Comments for Preschool This list of 38 ready-to-use comments covers academic subjects, social skills, behavior, and time/task management for preschool report cards.

Looking for more report card comment examples?

Download or purchase over 90+ pages of grading comments examples, tips, and advice for managing student grades.

Report Card Comments by Subject

Report Card Comments for Academic Achievement & Improvement Creative and applicable academic achievement/improvement comments and phrases to use while completing the report card process.

Report Card Comments - General and Handwriting General and handwriting comments and phrases to ease the report card crunch. Easy to modify and tailor to individual students.

Report Card Comments for Language Arts & Reading An assortment of report card comments and phrases focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Report Card Comments for Math Suggested math report card comments and phrases to assist you at the end of every quarter.

Report Card Comments for Science Science report card comments and phrase for student evaluation during the grading process.

Report Card Comments for Social Studies Make the most of your report card writing time using these suggested comments and phrases for social studies.

Report Card Comments by Student Topic

Report Card Comments for Citizenship Help parents and students understand how being a good citizen in the classroom enhances learning and community.

Report Card Comments - End of Year Provide a fitting look back on the full year in the classroom with these comments and phrases. Appropriate for all grade levels.

Report Card Comments for Personality & Attitude Comments and phrases appropriate for all students. Also a great resource to prepare for parent-teacher conferences.

Report Card Comments for Work Habits A set of comments and phrases that can be used to address a student's work habits.

Report Card Comments for Character and Social/Emotional Traits Help parents and students appreciate the development and importance of 21st Century skills and character traits.

Positive Report Card Comment Descriptions of Student Behavior An extensive list of verbs and phrases that will help you to prepare positive, descriptive statements about a student's behavior.

Report Card Comments for Distance Learning A selection of report card comments focused on aspects of student performance during distance learning.

Report Card Comments for ESL Students This list of 30 ready-to-use report card comments covers language growth, speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills for ESL and ELL report cards.

Advice for Teachers

• A Grading And Assessment Workbook For Teachers

Advice for Parents

• Report Card Advice for Parents
• Understanding Report Cards: Tips for Parents

The Joy of Teaching

Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn.

100 Sample Report Card Comments and 5 Strategies for Simplifying Report Cards

April 7, 2020 by Evan-Moor | 1 Comment

I don’t know any teacher who looks forward to doing report cards. This time always seems to be packed to the max with additional testing days and long to-do lists. Despite this, report cards are an important tool that schools employ to show parents how their child is progressing in school and should be completed with careful consideration.

Report card comments should be personalized for each student and provide meaningful feedback to help parents understand their child’s progress. The most important concept to remember when writing report card comments is to frame each statement in encouraging and positive language.

Here are a few tips to help you provide honest and valuable feedback while being encouraging and professional, including 100 sample report card comments that you can use today.

Download a free PDF of 100 Report Card Comments here! 

5 strategies for simplifying report cards, 1. employ the sandwich feedback technique:.

• Always begin with a positive comment and end with a positive comment. This approach can help parents receive any negative feedback with the understanding that you “see” their child and are approaching his or her learning with a “growth mindset” and not criticism.

2. Highlight areas of growth

• Every student has areas of growth throughout the school year. Find an area he or she has improved on and mention it. It could be in a field of study such as reading comprehension, fluency, math facts, handwriting, asking important questions or a personal attribute such as persevering, helping others, leadership in the classroom, etc.

3. Expand on areas of improvement

• Highlight important areas for improvement and provide practical advice/examples of how to work on this at home. Provide simple strategies that parents can implement that will give them a tangible tool to help their child at home. Even if you think the parent won’t or isn’t interested, it is a good idea to provide documented options for your school files.

4. Be transparent

• Being honest about students’ progress takes careful consideration. Be tactful in your comments and back up your observations with specific examples. (I recommend taking notes on students’ progress throughout the semester and using this documentation during report card time.) This is also a great time to include helpful strategies/ resources and offer advice on how parents can support their student at home.

5. Proofread

• Always proofread your reports before sending them. Report cards reflect you as a teacher and should be treated with the same consideration you show your students in the classroom.

100 Report Card Comments

Participation/behavior/attitude.

• Takes an active role in discussions.
• Consistently cooperates with the teacher and other students.
• Listens well and shares ideas frequently.
• Works democratically with peers.
• Shows self-confidence in…
• Works well in groups, planning and carrying out activities.
• Follows directions well.
• An enthusiastic learner who enjoys school.
• Tackles new challenges with a positive attitude.
• Has a positive attitude about school.
• Consistently makes good choices during the school day.
• Shows respect for peers and teachers.
• Transitions easily between classroom activities and is not a distraction to others.
• Is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others.
• Is a leader and positive role model for students.
• Is enthusiastic about participating.
• Takes an active part in discussions about (topic).
• Speaks with confidence.
• Volunteers often.
• Has a great sense of humor and enjoys our class assignments.

Needs Improvement

• Has difficulty staying focused and on task. · Needs to actively participate in classroom discussion.
• Needs to work on not distracting others during class.
• Is learning to be careful, cooperative, and fair.
• I would like to see him/her work on…
• One area for improvement is…
• Eager to participate in class but needs to raise his/her hand.
• Is becoming more independent when completing class assignments.
• Needs frequent reminders to stay focused throughout the day.
• When motivated, does well on class assignments.
• Needs to work on following written and oral directions.
• Needs to actively participate in classroom discussions.
• Frequent absences are affecting (name’s) schoolwork.
• Needs to work on treating others with respect.
• Needs to work on completing homework assignments on time.
• Frequently comes to class unprepared.
• Often seems tired at school.
• Gets upset easily when (topic).
• Although _____________’s growth in social skills and maturity is continuing, it is not consistent.
• _______ continues to make nice progress this year concerning his/her attitude in the classroom and on the playground.

Time Management/Work Habits

• Uses class time wisely.
• Is a self-motivated student.
• Completes work on time.
• Is very organized.
• Demonstrates problem-solving skills and is persistent.
• Has done a great job facing and overcoming big challenges this year.
• Is very responsible and turns in work on time.
• Is a flexible learner and adapts to changes easily.
• Has made improvements in the area of…
• Has strengthened his/her skills in…
• Does not complete assignments on time. Seems unable to finish.
• Is encouraged to use time wisely to finish tasks in the time required.
• Struggles to stay organized and find appropriate materials (paper/pencil).
• Needs to slow down to improve the quality of his/her work.
• Is not working to full potential.
• Is easily distracted.
• Needs to listen and follow directions more carefully.
• Needs more opportunities to…
• Grades are suffering because of missed assignments.
• Would benefit from…

Growth Mindset

• Has demonstrated very good progress this year.
• Is learning how to be a better listener and takes direction well.
• Has worked very hard this year and has made strong gains in the area of ______.
• Has shown great improvement with ______.
• Is progressing nicely and shows consistent improvement in many areas of schoolwork, including ______.
• Is learning to be cooperative when working in groups.
• Is developing more positive ways to interact with others.
• Is listening to directions more carefully.
• Has continued to make steady progress with…
• Has shown noticeable improvement in…

General Subject Area Comments

• Has good reading and decoding skills.
• Is reading well at level…
• Uses reading strategies to increase his/her reading comprehension.
• Is reading smoothly and with good expression.
• Struggles with reading comprehension.
• I would like to see (name) read for 15 minutes each night.
• Is choosing books that are too simple for his/her level.
• Has difficulty using reading strategies to decode new words.
• Needs to learn basic sight words to improve decoding skills.
• Needs to build reading vocabulary.
• Uses various strategies to solve one- and two-step word problems.
• Demonstrates a good understanding of math concepts.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills.
• Has strengthened his/her critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Has difficulty understanding/solving word problems.
• Understands skills and strategies but has a difficult time explaining processes.
• Would benefit from memorizing math facts.
• Has difficulty solving multi-step problems.
• Needs to slow down and check work.
• Memorizing basic math facts would be helpful to…
• Is willing to learn new writing skills and quickly applies these skills within his/her writing.
• Understands and applies the correct use of punctuation within writing.
• Writing is clear and follows grammar and punctuation rules.
• Enjoys writing stories and can construct unique and interesting sentences.
• Is able to create clear and effective writing that is interesting to read and easy to comprehend.
• Has shown great improvement with his/her writing skills and is consistently increasing his or her writing comprehension and techniques.
• Has difficulty writing clear and understandable sentences.
• Words are often misplaced throughout his/her writing.
• Frequently displays grammatical errors within his/her writing.
• (Name) needs to slow down and review his/her writing.

Report cards are used to show parents what students have learned, areas they excel in, and areas for improvement. Although report card grades reflect how well a student is performing against a set of standards, I would refrain from any comparisons on report cards. Every student matures and develops at a different rate, and it is important not to focus on how well children compare to their classmates, but rather to highlight how they are excelling in their personal goals/growth.

For more great teaching tips and lessons, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter ! 

Visit www.evan-moor.com for resources to support your classroom!

One Comment

Leave a reply →

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Subscribe Today!

Sign-up for education inspiration for PreK–8 teachers and parents.

Email address:

Grade Level Pre-K Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade +

Profession Teacher Homeschooler Parent School Admin Other

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive emails from Evan-Moor. You can unsubscribe at any time by using the Unsubscribe link found at the bottom of every email.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Book Bracket Template. For March and Beyond!

168 Sample Report Card Comments (Plus a Printable Version)

Help has arrived just in time for report cards!

Each progress report and report card provides an opportunity for you to give parents insight into their child’s performance beyond a letter or numerical grade for conduct or academics. Parents want to know how their child is doing, but they also want to know that you get their child. Report cards also help students understand what they are doing well … as well as areas where they could improve. The best way to get these points across is via meaningful comments. Need help? We’ve got dozens of sample report card comments below that are sorted for students at every level: emerging, developing, proficient, and extending standards, plus comments that address behavior, social skills, and more.

Get a free Google Slide version of these comments by submitting your email.

Tips for report card comments

Before using the list below, it’s important to know that teacher comments should be accurate, specific, and personal. The comments below are structured to allow you to fill in the blank for a particular subject or behavior, and then expand the comment. Sometimes you might require an action like a meeting with the parent. Other times you may be encouraging the student to do something in school or at home to improve on a skill or get more practice. Either way, these sample report card comments will establish the how that attaches to the what of any number or letter grade you are documenting.

Sample report card comments for students with emerging skills

It’s often difficult to know the cause of why a student’s skills are still emerging. In these situations, parents can often help you get to the bottom of it. Be specific about areas of difficulty in these comments, and don’t be afraid to ask for a parent’s help. Here are some ideas:

• Your student could use some extra practice in [subject]. Please have them study [skill] for [time] each night.
• Your student hasn’t yet had the chance to master [specific skill]. Review sessions are available [time frame].
• Your student may need additional assistance with [skill/subject]. Completing classwork and homework is the first step to improving.

• Your student needs more practice with [specific skill]. Please check that they have completed their homework each evening.
• We will continue focusing on reinforcing your student’s positive efforts.
• Your student should put more effort into [subject area] to avoid incorrect or incomplete assignments.
• Your student would benefit from more active participation in small-group activities.
• This semester/trimester, I would like your student to work on …

Sample report card comments to encourage a follow-up phone call

We can think of many situations where a report card comment can be the first step in scheduling a phone call or meeting to discuss a concern. Write something positive about the child’s personality while requesting a parent meeting or phone call. Some examples are:

• Your student is always respectful, but I am concerned about their work. When can we meet?
• Your child is inquisitive and engaged in class, but they have quite a bit of missing work. Please call me to discuss some strategies.
• Your child has a wonderful sense of humor/is helpful/is kind but fails to turn in their assignments. Let’s meet to come up with a plan to move forward.

• Let’s work on strategies that will help your student follow through on their assignments.

Sample report card comments about (negative) behavior

Parents want to know how their child has behaved, even if they are not surprised by the behavior. Behavior can be even more difficult to write about than academics. Be careful to avoid personal attacks or statements that can make the parent or child feel judged. For difficult behaviors, stick to statistics and/or basic descriptions. Try things like:

• Your student struggles with [DESIRED behavior]. We will continue to work on this behavior at school.
• Your child struggles with [UNDESIRABLE behavior] and needs to focus on [DESIRED behavior].
• When your student is focused, they are a pleasure to have in class. Let’s meet to discuss strategies to keep them on track.
• Your student often struggles to focus in class, which harms their ability to engage well with class activities and assignments.
• [Student] is working on independent work production and staying on task.
• [Student] often struggles to focus in class, which impacts their ability to engage in class activities.
• I encourage [student] to use time wisely to finish tasks in a timely manner.
• I encourage [student] to be more responsible in completing tasks without frequent reminders.
• I encourage [student] to show that they are properly engaged in learning by improving quality of work and use of class time. Please support this at home by [idea here].
• Your student needs to slow down in order to produce quality/carefully done work.

• Your student needs to follow classroom rules more closely throughout the school day.
• Your student has exhibited [UNDESIRABLE behavior]. We will continue to reinforce appropriate behaviors.
• Your student exhibited [UNDESIRABLE behavior] [this many] times this quarter. Let’s work to reduce the incidence of this behavior to [goal] times.
• [Student] is encouraged to demonstrate more responsible attitudes and behaviors in the classroom.
• [Student] is working on using appropriate language at all times.
• [Student] requires encouragement to listen attentively during group instruction.
• [Student] requires frequent reminders to remain attentive during instruction.
• [Student] is working on voicing feelings and opinions and listening to others.

Sample report card comments for students with developing skills

For students who are still developing, focus on any improvement while also providing suggestions to keep the momentum going. Try these comments:

• Your student has come so far in [subject]! Focusing on [important skill] is the next step.
• Your student has made so much progress! They still struggle with [important skill], so that should be our next focus.
• Your child has done well, but I am concerned that their lack of [listening/focus/motivation] has contributed to a lower grade than I know they could achieve.
• Let’s work on motivating your student to reach their potential.
• I would like to see your student pay closer attention to [subject/topic] in order to get a better grade.

• If your student works as hard on [important skill] as they have worked on [improved subject], then they will be caught up in no time!
• Your child is very engaged during whole-group [subject instruction] but struggles to work independently.
• Your student’s persistence is exemplary.
• When motivated, your child does well on class assignments. We need to extend that motivation further.
• Your child has improved significantly but still needs to slow down and check their work to make sure that all answers are correct.
• Your student is struggling to understand new concepts in [subject]. Paying closer attention to the assigned reading and class lecture would be beneficial.
• The hard work is paying off! Let’s keep it up when we start working on [next skill].
• Your child is enthusiastic but still doesn’t understand [topic]. Additional work on this topic would be incredibly helpful.

• Your child requests a great deal of adult assistance when completing school work. Let’s work on encouraging independent work.

Sample report card comments for students with proficient skills

Let the parent know all the positives about their child and perhaps encourage students to dig just a little bit deeper.

• Your student comes to school each day prepared to work hard.
• I appreciate that your student does their best every single day.

• Your student is an enthusiastic member of the class and shows a willingness to learn.
• I enjoy how invested your child is in their learning.
• I appreciate your child’s dedication to their studies in my class.
• Not only is your student strong academically, but they are also a leader in the classroom.
• I appreciate that your student is always committed to doing their best.
• Your student understands the material well. Let’s find a way to help them shine.
• Your child has the potential to be at the top of the class.
• With a little more effort, your child could move up to the advanced group in [the subject where effort is lacking].

• Your child puts in great work in [preferred subject]! If they apply those skills to [non-preferred subject], there’s no stopping them.
• Your child excels at applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world and real-life situations. With a little more work, they could really go far!

Sample report card comments for students with advanced skills

Positive behaviors deserve just as much (if not more) attention as negative behaviors. These comments can be the most fun to write. Begin with a simple stem and then fill in the personal details that will make the parent smile. Example sentence starters are:

• Your child exhibits exceptional focus and diligence in their work.
• Your student is excellent at taking ownership of their learning.
• I appreciate that your child is committed to doing their best.
• Your student seeks new challenges.
• Your child has a fantastic work ethic.
• Your child exceeds expectations on a regular basis.
• Your student avoids careless errors through attention to detail.

• Your child sets high standards for themself and achieves them.
• Teaching your child is always an adventure! I love it when they …
• Your child conducts themself with maturity.
• Your child is able to focus and stays on task during independent work times.
• Your student uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way.
• I have enjoyed your child’s sense of humor in our classroom, as well as …
• Your child has an impressive understanding and knowledge about their interests.

Sample report card comments to showcase students’ strengths

Students who excel at helping out others deserve to have their skills mentioned in comments!

• [Student] is confident, positive, and a great role model for their classmates.
• [Student] is a valuable part of class. They are among the first to help and mentor classmates.
• [Student] has shown an ability to set goals and work to achieve them.
• [Student] is engaged and able to set their own learning targets.
• [Student] is an active participant. They listen attentively and make an effort to avoid distractions that could disrupt their learning.
• [Student] is accountable for their actions and takes opportunities to improve.
• [Student] relates well to classmates and appreciates peers’ perspectives.
• [Student] demonstrates emotional maturity and responds appropriately to feedback.
• [Student] always looks for ways to be helpful in the classroom.
• [Student] is dependable and reliable and follows through on commitments.
• Your student relates well to classmates and is appreciative of different perspectives and experiences.

• It is a joy teaching your student! I can always count on them to …
• Your child makes the classroom a brighter place. They often …
• Your student’s conduct is exemplary. They …
• Your student works well with classmates and often takes a leadership role.
• Not only is your child a strong student, but they are also a wonderful human being.
• Your student displays good citizenship by assisting other students.
• Your child demonstrates responsibility daily by caring for the materials in our classroom conscientiously.
• Your child is exceptionally organized and takes care of their things.
• Your child is thoughtful and kind in their interactions with others.
• Your student plans and carries out group activities carefully.
• Your child is a very special student and one that I will never forget. I will miss them next year!

While all of these comments can supplement the grades on a report card, you don’t have to wait to use them. Sending notes home between progress reports and report cards with little comments like these can bolster the parent-teacher relationship. Write them in communication folders or on postcards for that extra school-home connection.

Sample report card comments to highlight positive behavior

Sometimes you’ll have a lot to say about a student’s positive behaviors. Parents love to hear that their kids are model citizens. Here are comments that communicate all the good behaviors you see in class.

• [Student] works well with classmates on group work and often takes a leadership role.
• [Student] shows a positive attitude when working with peers. They take and give suggestions and directions effectively.
• [Student] excels at applying what they learn to real-world situations.
• It is a pleasure to have [student]’s enthusiasm and maturity in class.
• [Student] is an enthusiastic member of class and shows a willingness to learn.
• [Student] shows responsible behavior, works well in a group, and shows appreciation for classmates’ efforts.

• [Student] is focused during class activities and participates in discussions.
• [Student] works on independent work with focus and confidence.
• [Student] has overcome big challenges this year.
• [Student] follows directions promptly and accurately.
• [Student] transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction.
• [Student] is polite and uses good manners in the classroom.
• [Student] responds appropriately when corrected.
• [Student] takes classroom jobs seriously and demonstrates responsibility when completing them.

Sample report card comments for math

Providing specific information about how a child is doing in core subjects helps parents know exactly what to expect on the grades portion of the report card. And providing a positive statement about a subject can help you lead into a statement about what the child needs to work on.

• [Student] has a good understanding of math concepts taught this year. They continue to complete work correctly and enjoy math activities.
• [Student] has a positive attitude toward math but has trouble in a few key areas [list here]. Practicing every night at home will help them improve in these areas.
• [Student] demonstrates a good understanding of math concepts and communicates clearly and with strong justification.
• [Student] seems to need continuous encouragement in math. They continue to struggle with foundational math concepts for [grade level].

• [Student] is having a difficult time with certain concepts in math. Areas in need of extra work include [list here].
• [Student] is struggling to maintain pace in math. They could benefit from [practice activity here].
• [Student] is easily distracted during math and this impacts their learning.
• [Student] does well on math assignments but struggles with tests. Please make sure they study and prepare for tests as they approach.

Sample report card comments for reading and writing

Just like with math, it’s good to comment on the specific aspects of academics that students are doing well and those that they can work on. Use these comments to explain where a student is in their reading and writing progress.

• [Student] has made great improvements in [spelling, comprehension, reading] and could use support in [spelling, comprehension, reading]. Please reach out if you need supplemental learning materials to use for practice at home.
• [Student] always puts effort into their writing work.

• [Student] is able to take new skills and apply them to writing assignments.
• [Student] is able to offer responses to text and supports ideas with sound reasoning and examples.
• [Student] reads with fluency and comprehension.  
• [Student] is working on reading fluency. They would benefit from reading aloud at home.
• [Student] is able to understand and discuss text read aloud.
• [Student] consistently reads grade-level material.
• [Student] is able to choose books to read that they really enjoy.
• [Student] uses editing skills to edit writing to improve grammar and punctuation.
• [Student] organizes writing well and organizes thoughts into complete paragraphs.

• [Student] is able to analyze character actions and story plots and make inferences from what they read.
• [Student] is thoughtful and insightful in class discussion and written work. They express their ideas clearly.

Sample report card comments about social skills

As much as school is about academics, parents also worry about social skills and how their child is doing in terms of fitting in, making friends, and managing social situations. For some kids, this will be a strength and for some it will be an area of focus, but make sure to include whatever information parents need to know.

• [Student] has made many friends in the classroom.
• [Student] is well liked by classmates.
• [Student] treats other students with empathy and fairness.

• [Student] handles disagreements with peers appropriately.
• [Student] appears comfortable in new situations.
• [Student] chooses to spend free time with friends.

Sample report card comments about communication

Communication is another important skill that students are learning and honing in school that you can report on. Particularly for kids whose communication skills are either a strength or something they need help with, a comment about this can be very helpful to parents.

• [Student] has a well-developed vocabulary.
• [Student] expresses their ideas clearly.
• [Student] has a vibrant imagination and uses their imagination in storytelling and writing.
• [Student] always participates in whole-group discussions.
• [Student] can make a logical and persuasive argument in oral discussion or in writing.

• [Student] listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting.
• [Student] is working on participating in class. Please encourage them to raise their hand or engage in group discussion.
• I would love to hear from [student] more. Please encourage them to participate in class.
• [Student] is working on using their words to solve problems/communicate well with peers.

Sample report card comments about group work

Group work gets at a child’s ability to work with peers, solve problems, and communicate. It’s also often a barometer for social skills. Giving comments about group work can tell parents a lot about how their child is able to succeed in teamwork and if there are any red flags.

• [Student] offers constructive suggestions to peers.
• [Student] accepts recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate.
• [Student] takes various roles in group work as assigned or as needed.
• [Student] welcomes leadership roles in groups.
• [Student] shows fairness in distributing group tasks.
• [Student] plans and carries out group activities carefully.

• [Student] works democratically with peers.
• [Student] encourages peers during group work.
• [Student] is working on accepting their share of the work during group assignments.

Sample report card comments about time management

Managing time is a skill that gets more and more important as kids move through school, and it is something that all parents can help with at home. Help parents know how their child is doing managing time with these comments.

• [Student] approaches classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized way.
• [Student] is on time and prepared for class each day.
• [Student] works at an appropriate pace.
• [Student] is able to pace their work for long-term assignments.

• [Student] completes makeup work in a timely fashion.
• [Student] is working on using time wisely.
• [Student] is working on managing time, especially when there are multiple tasks to complete during a work period.
• [Student] is working on organizing their materials and using organization to support work completion.

Sample report card comments about work habits

Same as time management, comments about work habits are helpful for parents because they explain how a student is approaching their work and how their academics are impacted because of these habits.

• [Student] is self-motivated.
• [Student] exceeds expectations with the quality of their work.
• [Student] readily grasps new concepts or ideas.
• [Student] produces neat and careful work.

• [Student] checks work thoroughly before submitting it.
• [Student] pays attention to work and submits work that does not have errors.
• [Student] is working on producing neat work.
• [Student] is working on checking work thoroughly before submitting it.
• [Student] is working on submitting work that does not have errors. They frequently require additional review to ensure that all errors are corrected.

Do you have sample report card comments to add? Share them in our We Are Teachers Helpline group on Facebook!

For more articles like this, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

• Report Cards

About Report Cards

Your school must give you grades on a report card at least twice per year. Many schools choose to share report cards and student progress reports more often. Talk to your school about how frequently you can expect to receive report cards. Your report card might look different by grade or school. While the New York City Department of Education (DOE) provides a standard report card, schools can use a different report card format and different grading methods.

Your school may email your student’s report card, share it with you at parent-teacher conferences, send a copy home with your student, or provide you the report card in other ways. You can also view your student’s report card through your  New York City Schools Account . 

Translations

The DOE translates the standard report card into nine official languages. If your school uses a different report card, you can also request a translation of the report card from your school.

Your Rights

You have the right to know your school’s grading policies, and to receive grades based on those policies. Your school is required to give you a written copy of their grading policies every year. This is stated in the DOE Parents’ Bill of Rights .

Changes due to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOE changed some grading policies to be responsive to students’ needs. From April 2020 through June 2021, your student’s report card may have included grading scales that are new to you. Talk to your student’s teacher if you have questions about any of the information on your student’s report card. 

If you have questions about your student’s progress, coursework, or grades, you can:

• Discuss the matter with your teacher(s)
• Speak to another staff member at your school
• Request a copy of the grading policy

You can find contact information for your child's school by using Find a School .

Samples of Standard Report Cards

• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- English English
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Spanish Spanish
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Chinese Chinese
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Bangla Bengali
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Russian Russian
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Urdu Urdu
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Arabic Arabic
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Haitian Haitian Creole
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- Korean Korean
• Kindergarten Report Card Sample -- French French
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- English English
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Spanish Spanish
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Chinese Chinese
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Bangla Bengali
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Russian Russian
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Urdu Urdu
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Arabic Arabic
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Haitian Haitian Creole
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- Korean Korean
• Grade 1-2 Report Card Sample -- French French
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- English English
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Spanish Spanish
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Chinese Chinese
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Bangla Bengali
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Russian Russian
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Urdu Urdu
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Arabic Arabic
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Haitian Haitian Creole
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- Korean Korean
• Grade 3-5 Report Card Sample -- French French
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- English English
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Spanish Spanish
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Chinese Chinese
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Bangla Bengali
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Russian Russian
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Urdu Urdu
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Arabic Arabic
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Haitian Haitian Creole
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- Korean Korean
• Middle School and High School Report Card Sample -- French French

Student Records and Transcripts 

• Requesting Student Records and Transcripts

Free Student Meals

See what's on the menu

Transportation

See Modernization Plan

• Prodigy Math
• Prodigy English

From our blog

• Is a Premium Membership Worth It?
• Promote a Growth Mindset
• Help Your Child Who's Struggling with Math
• Parent's Guide to Prodigy
• Assessments
• Math Curriculum Coverage
• English Curriculum Coverage
• Game Portal

107 Report Card Comments to Use and Adapt

Written by Justin Raudys

Reviewed by Sarah Tino, M.Ed.

See your students' performance at a push of a button

With Prodigy's reports, teachers can easily track student progress and see their strengths and growth opportunities – all while the student has fun playing Prodigy Math!

• Teacher Resources

Learning skills (positive comments)

Learning skills (needs improvement), addition and subtraction, skip counting, place value, comparing numbers, addition with regrouping.

• Word problems
• Language (general)

Reading responses

Reading comprehension, response journal, note taking, distance learning.

• Tips for writing effective report cards
• Key considerations for effective end-of-year report cards

Just about every teacher agrees: report card comments are important to provide insights and next steps to students and families. But there are few who actually look forward to writing them.

Because every instructor knows working under tight deadlines to create upwards of 20 unique and detailed reports at the end of the year or term isn’t exactly straightforward (or particularly fun). That's especially true in the era of distance learning.

And while no one at your school knows your students better than you do, writing valuable report card comments for each of them can be a huge challenge.

That’s why we created a list of 107 sample report card comments — starters to help you find ideas, inspiration, and insights while writing your own report cards.

The 107 report card comments in this list will help you:

• Instill a  growth mindset in students
• Build stronger home-to-school connections
• Write stronger leads and use livelier language
• Choose the right phrasing when writing positive and constructive report card comments

Report card comment starters

You'll notice that the report card comments below can act as a springboard for more fully developed ones. But don't worry, using them you'll be able to take some of these one-liners and turn them into insightful and actionable next steps!

For example, you'll be able to take a 1st grade number sense comment like "Your child is able to add and subtract numbers up to 20 using various manipulatives" and transform it into:

Your child is able to add and subtract numbers up to 20 using various manipulatives. This was evident when he was working independently to solve a real-world problem by adding toys in the classroom toy bin. As a next step, they should continue to add to larger numbers to encourage his skills. You can support him by asking him to add his own toy piles at home.

Or taking a responsibility-related learning skill comment from "Your child is able to take responsibility for her own actions both in and out of the classroom" to:

Your child is able to take responsibility for her own actions both in and out of the classroom. She often checks her agenda and day planner to make sure she has all of the necessary materials to complete work at home before leaving. During indoor recess, she takes time to tidy up everything she was playing with.

Notice the difference?

Compared to a single number or letter grade, report card comments can provide even more value to your students and their families. In other words, a number or letter or grade captures the what , while an accompanying comment captures the how .

Depending on the age group or grade level you teach, a letter or grade letter might be enough. However, research in Phi Delta Kappan, the professional journal for educators, suggests:

Comments that identify what students did well, what improvements they need to make, and how to make those improvements, provided with sensitivity to important contextual elements, can guide students on their pathways to learning success and ensure that all learn excellently.

Gather insights into student performance all year long and make report card writing easier with Prodigy, the adaptive math game that students love.

• ________ is confident, positive and a great role model for his/her classmates.
• ________ is frequently among the first to help and mentor other classmates. He/she is a valuable part of the classroom.
• ________ has shown excellent ability to set goals and be persistent in achieving them.
• ________ is interested in his/her own learning, listens attentively, and makes a solid effort to avoid distractions that could interrupt the learning process.
• ________ is accountable and responsible. He/she makes smart decisions, admits mistakes and listens to opportunities to improve.
• ________ relates well to classmates and is appreciative of different perspectives and experiences.
• ________ manages his/her emotions maturely and responds to feedback appropriately.
• ________ always looks for ways to be helpful in the classroom.
• ________ is dependable and reliable, follows directions effectively, and follows through on his/her commitments to him/herself and others.
• ________ is thoughtful, insightful and thorough in written and verbal communication, and has a talent for expressing his/her ideas clearly.
• ________ works well with classmates in group work and often takes a leadership role.
• ________ shows a positive attitude with classmates in group projects and activities, and both takes and gives suggestions and directions effectively.
• ________ shows maturity when solving problems with classmates and uses good communication.
• ________ excels at applying what he/she learns in the classroom to real-world and real-life situations.
• It has been a pleasure to have _______'s enthusiasm, positivity and maturity in my class.
• ________ is an enthusiastic member of the class and shows a willingness to learn.
• ________ shows responsible behavior, works well with a group and shows appreciation for the efforts of classmates.
• ________ is focused during classroom activities and willingly participated in class discussions.
• ________ performs independent work with confidence and focus.
• ________ works independently and takes pride in work done well.
• ________ is focused in class and willingly participates in group discussion.
• ________ is very conscientious and shows excellent effort and care with daily work.
• ________ demonstrates a willing and conscientious effort in his/her daily work.
• ________ shows a conscientious effort to learn.
• ________ has done a great job facing and overcoming big challenges this year. Please continue to nurture and encourage this behavior over the summer.
• ________ shows responsibility and follows directions whenever they are given.
• ________ listens to and follows directions precisely and attentively.
• ________ follows directions promptly and accurately.
• ________ is an active participant in class.
• ________ is a hard worker who calmly perseveres through challenging topics.
• ________ is encouraged to demonstrate more responsible attitudes and behavior in the classroom.
• ________ needs to show more appropriate behavior when interacting with classmates.
• ________ needs to pay attention to the use of appropriate language at all times
• ________ requires encouragement to listen attentively during group sharing times.
• ________  needs to listen to directions more attentively during lessons.
• ________ would benefit from showing a greater desire to contribute ideas in class.
• ________ needs frequent reminders to be attentive during instructions and lessons.
• ________ needs to improve his/her cooperation in group settings. He/she should work on voicing feelings and opinions and listening to others.
• ________ needs to improve his/her work with others. He/she must ensure to accept a share of the work when participating in a group assignment.
• ________ needs to improve on working independently and be sure to ask for assistance only when it is needed.
• ________ often struggles to focus in class, which harms his/her ability to engage well with class activities and assignments.
• ________ is encouraged to use time wisely to finish tasks in the time required.
• ________ is encouraged to be more responsible in completing tasks without needing regular reminders.
• ________ needs to show by the quality of work and use of class time that he/she is properly engaged in the learning process.
• ________ consistently needs reminders to focus on time management.
• ________ needs to follow classroom rules more closely throughout the school day.

Math (general comments)

• ________ is having considerable difficulty with math. I recommend he/she work on studying ________ and ________. This extra practice will help him/her feel more relaxed when doing math in the classroom. Please contact me if you need materials to get him/her started.
• ________ has a good understanding of all math concepts taught so far this year. He/she continues to turn in excellent assignments and especially enjoys hands-on math activities.
• ________  has a positive attitude towards math but continues to have trouble in a few key areas. He should practice every evening at home. Areas that need extra attention are ________  and ________ .
• ________  demonstrates a good understanding of all math concepts studied and communicates with clarity and good justification of reasoning.
• ________ needs to work on increasing his/her speed in math facts. He/she should continue with daily practice with a focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• ________ seems to need continuous encouragement in math. He/she continues to struggle with basic math concepts for his/her grade level.
• ________ is having a difficult time in certain areas of math. Areas in need of extra work are ________ . Working on these problem areas every night would help improve his/her learning outcomes.
• ________ is struggling to keep up in math. He/she could benefit from practicing the multiplication table and should also continue to practice the long division process.
• ________ is easily distracted during math lessons and behavioral issues are interfering with his/her learning. We will be working on more difficult subjects and he/she will struggle if he/she does not pay attention in class.
• ________ is having trouble with math tests. He/she does well on assignments, but does not seem to retain information for tests. I always give a week’s notice before tests, so please be sure ________ studies and adequately prepares for them as they approach.
• ________ is able to calculate addition and subtraction facts to 18 with confidence and accuracy.
• ________  is becoming more able to calculate addition and subtraction facts to 18 with confidence and accuracy.
• ________  requires more time and practice in calculating addition and subtraction facts to 18
• ________ needs to put more effort into learning to calculate addition and subtraction facts to 18.
• ________  is able to skip count forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  is learning to skip count forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  needs practice with skip counting forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  needs considerable practice with skip counting forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  is able to demonstrate place value concepts to give meaning to numbers from zero to 1000, identifying ones, tens, and hundreds.
• ________  is developing an understanding of place value concepts to give meaning to numbers zero to identifying ones, tens, and hundreds.
• ________  requires more time and practice to demonstrate place value concepts to give meaning to numbers 0 to 1000, identifying ones, tens, and 100s.
• ________ is able to compare numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ is learning to compare numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ requires support to compare numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ demonstrates a limited understanding in comparing numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ can demonstrate and explain the process of addition of whole numbers up to 100, with and without regrouping.
• ________ requires ongoing support to demonstrate and explain the process of addition of whole numbers up to 100 with and without regrouping.
• ________ requires considerable attention and individual instruction to demonstrate and explain the process of addition of whole numbers up to 100 with and without regrouping.

Word problems (math)

• ________ is able to complete word problems using one- and two-digit addition, showing his/her work and writing a full sentence answer.
• ________ is becoming more confident in his/her ability to complete word problems using one- and two-digit addition, showing his/her work and writing a full sentence answer.

As we move into language and literacy, the following sections include starter report card comments which cover reading, writing, oral communication and critical thinking skills.

Language arts (general)

• ________ ’s (comprehension, spelling, reading) has greatly improved, but he/she still needs extra work in (comprehension, spelling, reading). Please contact me if you need supplemental learning materials to use at home for practice.
• ________  is conscious of putting care into his/her daily writing work, and frequently goes beyond the minimum requirements for assignments.
• ________ has trouble with his handwriting. I believe he/she can form letters well, but has to slow down and take a little more time. Neater handwriting will improve his/her schoolwork overall.
• ________ makes a good effort to make his/her handwriting legible. He/she is able to print on the lines, use good spacing, and form letters correctly.
• ________ needs to focus on her spelling. More improvement is needed in the areas of (dictation, weekly spelling tests, sentence structure). Daily practice at home will help improve his/her results.
• ________ shows the ability to quickly use spelling, punctuation and grammar rules that were recently taught. He/she is able to quickly learn new skills and is eager to apply them to his/her writing.
• ________ is having considerable difficulty with reading, particularly with fluency and comprehension.
• ________ speaks well in front of the class, but requires improvement in written language. He/she is having trouble with (dictation, copying words correctly, story writing, creating logical sequences). Further practice is needed in this area.
• ________ continues to make excellent progress in spelling and reading. He/she works hard to submit work that is free of grammatical errors.
• ________ has difficulty remembering previously discussed writing skills and often makes errors with punctuation, grammar, and overall sentence structure. Basic writing skills need improvement.
• ________ is able to offer direct responses to his/her readings and supports ideas with sound reasoning and specific examples.
• ________ is learning to offer more direct responses to her reading experiences supported by reasons, examples, and details.
• ________ needs frequent support to offer direct responses to his/her reading experiences supported by reasons, examples, and details.
• ________ shows good ability when completing reading comprehension tests.
• ________ would benefit from extra practice with reading aloud and discussion of content.
• ________ consistently demonstrates comprehension of short spoken texts by answering questions, and explaining the events described.
• ________ consistently reads grade-level material independently.
• ________ uses good editing skills and correctly places capitals, quotation marks, question marks, apostrophes, commas, and periods.
• ________ is doing a good job of breaking a story into paragraphs
• ________ determines various forms of writing and identifies important ideas through the development of insightful questions and answers.
• ________ is able to analyze character actions, story plots, and shows strong fluency with reading.
• ________ uses correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when writing simple sentences.
• ________ is encouraged to show increased attention to the use of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation with general writing skills.
• ________ needs more time and practice in the use of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation with general writing skills.
• ________ requires considerable assistance to achieve the correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when writing simple sentences.
• ________ shows an excellent understanding of note taking from lectures and readings in preparation for tests and assignments.
• ________ requires ongoing support to develop an understanding of note taking from lectures and readings in preparation for tests.
• ________ was very engaged and focused during distance learning activities, and participated in class discussions.
• ________ stayed motivated to complete assignments during distance learning, and turned in all required materials on time. 
• ________ needed some extra prompting to stay engaged during online lessons, but participated well in discussions when called upon. 
• ________ modeled good online learning behavior for other students.
• ________ was disruptive during online learning and did not meaningfully participate in class discussions.
• ________ handled technical problems well and was always prepared.
• Although he/she couldn’t always access a device, _________ consistently completed online assignments and asked thoughtful questions.
• ________ should ask more questions during online discussions to avoid confusion later.
• ________’s attendance during online lessons was infrequent and assignments were not always completed.
• ________ worked well independently and in a group setting during distance learning activities.
• ________ is excellent at completing distance learning activities independently, but struggled to engage with his/her classmates during breakout sessions or class discussions.
• ________ is a technology superstar! He/she rarely needed assistance and even helped other classmates troubleshoot issues.
• ________ asks good questions and always reaches out proactively when he/she needs help with an assignment or lesson.

Tips for teachers to write more effective student report card comments

1. give yourself extra time and start writing comments early.

Somewhere around the halfway point to your deadline for report cards, you make your best effort to use time at the end of each week to reflect — and jot down notes — about your students’ performance and class week.

What are their strengths and weaknesses? How are their social skills developing with classmates? How is their class participation - are they an enthusiastic learner? Have they shown great improvement in one particular subject area? Are homework assignments getting done? Have any new challenges come up that affect learning?

Even just a few minutes of note-taking in the weeks preceding report card deadlines will help to ease your stress when the time comes to write your final comments.

Moreover, having a dated log of information detailed throughout the school year will help you remember how students are performing throughout each week, which can be valuable information come parent-teacher conference time.

This will also help to engage and reassure parents who want relevant and detailed commentary about their child’s performance at school.

2. Use free, curriculum-aligned apps for teachers

Use Prodigy to write insightful report cards with a minimum of hassle. Prodigy Math is an engaging math adventure for students where success depends on correctly answering adaptive math questions. 

As students play, you’ll get insights into:

• Which skills students are practicing
• How far they’ve progressed through the curriculum
• What they’ve mastered and where they need more support

Use one of Prodigy’s eight reports to track student progress throughout the year. When the time comes to write report card comments, you’ll have detailed reports on all your students’ achievements.

Just getting started with Prodigy? No problem! The first time students explore the world of Prodigy Math, they’ll start completing the Placement Test — without even knowing. Once they’re done, you’ll have a snapshot of the grade level they’re at, what they know and specific skills they still need to work on.

Spend more time teaching and less time grading

Prep for standardized tests, deliver adaptive skill practice or test students on a new skill — all while they play Prodigy Math, Prodigy English, or both!

3. Be encouraging, informational and professional

Although every report card cannot be glowingly positive, do strive to write in an encouraging and informational tone. As you write constructive report card comments, use encouraging language that focuses on the student’s opportunity for improvement.

For example, instead of describing a student struggling with listening as a “bad listener,” remark that the student “would benefit from listening more carefully.”

If appropriate, frame a negative comment in terms of what students are doing well -- and consider how this more successful characteristic can help them bolster performance in other areas.

4. Use a consistent format

Lead your report card comments with the positive comments, followed by areas that need more attention.

Choosing the right format for reporting information will simplify the entire process, while resulting in a clearer and more organized final product.

If you are unclear about your school’s format for report cards, request samples or consult with other teachers or staff members to clarify.

5. Be honest

Being open and honest about a student’s performance requires tact and consideration with regard to how you  express  those comments. Be transparent, and remain mindful that your goal is to improve your students’ learning experience.

Openness and honesty are key to ensuring that experience is the best it can be. If possible, discuss what  intervention strategies  you can use to help improve the student’s learning outcomes. 

As elementary teacher Donna Donaghue remarks in her book  A Guide for Beginning Elementary Teachers: Getting Hired and Staying Inspired :

If there is a problem, most parents will be grateful to you for telling them and will want to help you correct it as soon as possible. Many problems that show up at school are also problems noticed at home, so your comments will not surprise parents. Ideally, at some point prior to receiving the progress report, parents have already discussed the problem with you.

6. Move on if you get stuck

If you get stuck completing the comments for a particular student, move on to your other students and return to it later. You will likely have more trouble completing comments for students who have multiple areas needing further improvement and attention.

Feel free to move on and return to those students periodically or as you find the right language to express your insights.

7. Keep parents and guardians in mind

While every report card comment is ultimately about your student, think of your students’ parents or guardians as much as possible and offer suggestions for their participation.

In fact, if you can, keep parents up to date on an ongoing basis. This will help ensure they don't get caught off guard by any of your comments.

As you make note of your students’ strengths and weaknesses, endeavor to include practical insights into how parents can involve and support their child at home. If possible, make reference to how you use  differentiated instruction  to support the student in question.

Simple examples of tips for parents include:

• "Encourage your child to read. It doesn't have to be on your own either. Dedicating time before bed to read together can help make it seem like less of a chore."
• "Find homework help for your child if needed. Myself and other parents who are also getting homework help for their child are great resources to get started."
• "Ensure that your child completes their homework by creating a homework routine with your family where incentives like TV or computer time come after homework."
• "Help your child with organization skills at home. If a room in your house could be tidier, try using that as an opportunity to sort things like toys or dishes and utensils."
• "Help your child prepare for math tests by focusing their skills in addition and subtraction. If they don't like studying with traditional worksheets, try a digital game-based learning tool to help get them excited about the process."

As high school educator and teaching comprehension expert Anne Goudvis writes in her book Strategies That Work:

It is important that you include the parents in your comment so they know the child’s education is a joint mission. Sometimes you need to sound firm so that parents know you need their help and that you will not allow their child to continue inappropriate behavior.

8. Try not to repeat yourself

It is unlikely that your students or parents will compare their report card comments, but it is still a best practice to aim for unique commentary for each student that reflects each, individual learning outcome.

9. Proofread, even if you don’t want to

Report card time is perhaps your busiest period of the year, and it is understandable that you want to simply get them over with.

Despite this, you should make sure to double check all your comments before hitting print and handing them out. All your communications to parents are a reflection of you as a teacher, and should mirror the care and attention you show your students in class.

10. Notify parents

Make use of your school’s parent portal or email system to let parents know — as needed — that report card time is coming up.

This will help parents be prepared, and will also ensure that any important questions they may have are addressed before the final report cards are delivered.

Did you know?

If you're using Prodigy Math in your classroom, you can connect parents to follow their child's progress. A free parent account comes with a monthly report card and insights into classroom learning, helping them stay informed of how their child is doing in class. They can also send their child an encouraging message to cheer their child on as they play and practice skills in Prodigy!

11. Use specific examples with the help of direct observation

Record and use classroom anecdotes in your assessments. No matter how involved you are in your students’ progress, it can still be difficult to produce specific examples related to their performance if you haven’t recorded them along the way.

When you notice a positive or negative skill, ability, strength, or weakness in a class activity or assignment, be sure to note it down so that you may refer to it in your report card comments. Likewise, consider noting a sample of a student’s work every week or two.

To help with ease of access, keep ongoing files of this work in a personal folder or use a digital tool such as a Google Doc.

Putting this into practice is a time-saver and helps prevent last-minute stress. A strategy like direct observation and note-taking (as soon as possible) is far more reliable than trying to recall information and behaviors from weeks or months prior.

12. Try using tech to help

Writer's block happens to all of us, including teachers. If the report card comments in this article didn't help, fear not, there are still plenty of tools and resources to give you a helping hand.

One new option for teachers is using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with report card ideas. For example, teachers can use tools like ChatGPT to generate examples for their specific needs.

When using chat technology, try to keep your prompt concise and easy to follow. A good template prompt to follow is:

"Write [number] report card comments for students studying [subject] in [grade]."

Here are some more specific examples to help get you started:

• Write 50 report card comments for students studying social studies in 5th grade.
• Generate 20 report card remarks commending a student for a positive attitude to learning.
• Create 10 report card comments that focus on a student needing to improve their attitude to learning.

Alternatively, you can use spreadsheets and report card builders to manually piece together a report card based on a template of comments.

Important tip: When using AI chat technology, make sure you don't submit any personal details about you or your students. Instead let the tool use a placeholder like "Student".

Key considerations for report card comments at the end of the year

Report card comments should aim to deliver feedback to students and parents that is  personalized, detailed,  and  meaningful .

Writing report card comments doesn’t have to be stressful. Use these strategies to create livelier, more meaningful evaluations.

Effective report card comments emphasize and discuss:

• The specific, notable strengths that a student has shown and should attempt to continue to show
• The specific elements of knowledge, skills, and other outcomes recognized in the curriculum that are the most pertinent to a student’s achievement or development in the period of assessment
• The major next steps for improvement that will: identify the student’s most important learning needs, offer next steps for students and offer specific recommendations for how parents and guardians can help the student’s learning habits and skills (or the development of those habits and skills)

Effective report card comments are personalized – customized to each, individual student – and discuss:

• The student’s learning preferences, willingness to learn, and interests
• Detailed evidence of learning or skill-development gathered from in-class observations, and/or student assignments

Effective report card comments are expressed with clear and simple phrasing, using:

• An encouraging and/or positive tone
• Language that is easy to understand for both students and parents, as opposed to educational jargon used from the curriculum

Report Card Comments: Final Thoughts

Common Sense Education observes that "effective parent communication is crucial in helping students learn. But, for busy teachers it can be challenging just to keep up... Transparency and equity are key to managing any communication between home and school."

Personalized report card comments that are clear, precise, and meaningful are essential for informing students and their parents about what students have learned, what their strengths are and how they can effectively progress.

Among the pressure and deadlines of writing report cards, it can be helpful to keep these key goals in mind.

Get inspired by the report card comment examples — and strategies for success — above to ensure that precision, clarity, and meaning shine through in your report card comments.

When it comes time to hand out your report cards, you can do so with the full confidence that you are doing yourself — and each of your students — the justice your hard work deserves.

Gather student insights on Prodigy

Create or log in to your free teacher account on Prodigy — a standards-aligned, game-based learning platform that assesses student progress and performance as they play. Use Prodigy to motivate student learning, control the questions they answer as they play and collect student learning insights all year long.

Tennessee school report card data is out. Check how your school performed

The Tennessee Department of Education has updated its school and district report cards, and parents can use the "one-stop shop" to find how their school ranks, what types of students it serves and whether it's improving academically.

Each school has new data from the 2022-2023 school year, which is the latest available, on achievement and growth scores, attendance, English language learners' proficiency, graduation rates and more.

New this year, the report card searchable dashboard includes newly released school letter grades and a calculator to show how much money is allocated per student under the state's funding formula called the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement .

How to check my school's letter grades?

The report cards are online at tdepublicschools.ondemand.sas.com . On the portal, enter the name of your student's school at the top right. You can also enter the district's name if you'd like a comprehensive look on how your community's schools are doing.

Once the page for your child's school loads, open the menu under "performance metrics" and check the school's letter grade.

Even though it was established in a 2016 law , the launch of the grading system was delayed by testing issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was finally released late last year. The grades are a product of student scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Tests as well as students' academic growth from the year prior and with emphasis on how the lowest-performing students grew academically.

The report card portal explains how the grade was calculated, including the weight given to each metric.

The state released a video to help parents navigate the site:

How do I know how much money Tennessee spends on my student's education?

The new report card shows families how much funding is available for their child under the state's newly revamped funding formula.

To access the calculator, open the report card at tdepublicschools.ondemand.sas.com .

Type in your school's name in the top right. Open the "about this school" dropdown and click on "finances."

The portal will prompt you to answer a few questions about your child before displaying the funds allocated for him or her.

What other information is available on the report card?

The report card has data on each school's demographics, enrollment and the name of the principal, among other stats.

Areena Arora , data and investigative reporter for Knox News, can be reached by email at  [email protected] . Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ AreenaArora .

223 Copy and Paste Final Report Card Comments

Hey, Teacher! Is it report writing time again?

Hopefully these comments for student report cards will come in helpful.

Copy and paste these report card comments for your students. It’ll save you time and heartache!

Read below for my full list of report card comment ideas:

Positive Comments

Use a few positive comments to show the strengths of the student and how they’ve improved recently.

Positive Attitude to Learning

• Comes to class every day ready and willing to learn.
• Has an inquisitive and engaged mind.
• Is excited to tackle her tasks every day.
• Likes to come to school and learn with her friends.
• Has a positive attitude to self-development.
• Tends to come into the classroom with a big smile and an open mind.
• Sets herself very high standards and strives to meet them each and every day.

Showing Improvement

• Is consistently improving.
• Is developing very well for her age.
• Has shown strong signs of growth in all learning areas.
• Has made clear and commendable gains.
• Improves each and every day.
• Her hard work and effort has paid off.

Positive Behavior

• Is always very well behaved during class time.
• Has a good ability to avoid peers who she sees may be distractions to her learning.
• Is always willing to listen to instructions.
• Is a very helpful and respectful student.
• Never misbehaves in class.
• Sets a good standard for classmates to follow.
• Is very good at following the rules.

Read Also: Words to Describe a Student

Shows Respect for Others

• Has a great deal of respect for all visitors to the classroom.
• Cares for and respects her classmates.
• Is always respectful to classroom equipment.
• Always puts her hand up and follows instructions.
• Is very considerate of others and often puts others’ needs and interests at the front of her mind.
• Is a very respectful and responsible classmate.
• Has proven to be a courteous and polite classmate.
• Is held in high regard for her kindness to others.
• Is a very outgoing, positive and upbeat student.
• Tackles every task with enthusiasm and self-belief.
• Is building her confidence more and more every day.
• Has shown remarkable growth in confidence this year.
• Has reached many achievements this year, which is reflected in her budding confidence.
• Is a self-assured young learner who is always willing to try something new.
• Can always be trusted with tasks assigned to her.
• Conducts herself with honesty and integrity at all times.
• Is trusted with school equipment including expensive computer technology.
• Is open, honest and upfront about her thoughts and beliefs.
• Shares thoughtful and genuine opinions during lessons.
• Is always willing to self-reflect and provide genuine analyses of her progress.

Self-Expression

• Is a very expressive and confident student.
• Has a great ability to express thoughts and feelings in writing.
• Is always willing to express herself in front of the class with a bold and confident voice.
• Has artistic talent and can articulate her thoughts through drawing and painting very well.
• Is a very articulate public speaker when talking about issues that she knows well.
• Is always willing to contribute her own thoughts and beliefs in class discussions.
• Uses her body and hand movements to express herself artistically.

High Motivation

• Has a great deal of intrinsic motivation . She’s a real go getter!
• Has bucket loads of initiative.
• Has an active mind and is eager to achieve.
• Comes to class with a huge willingness to participate.
• Never wants to waste a day in the classroom.
• Loves to soak up all the information around her.
• Is an ambitious and proactive student.
• Knows her goals and strives every day to achieve them.

Strong Communication Skills

• Projects her voice very well when communicating in class.
• Is effective at using the written word to express herself.
• Has a great deal of confidence when speaking to groups.
• Is very good at clearly and succinctly speaking up when she feels she has a valuable contribution.
• Consistently provides valuable contributions to class discussion.
• Is a skilled public speaker.
• Has shown great strides in written communication skills in recent months.

Is Neat and Tidy

• Always keeps her belongings neatly organized.
• Looks after her belongings very carefully.
• Always has neat book work which shows respect and high regard for her own work.
• Keeps her desk space very tidy, clean and organized.
• Takes pride in keeping her work neat, clean and tidy for every submission.
• Keeps her personal work spaces very well organized.

Good Listening Skills

• Is an active listener who is always ready to respond with relevant and engaging questions.
• Listens thoughtfully to other people’s ideas and contributes her own thoughtful ideas.
• Listens with an open mind to her classmates’ perspectives.
• Always listens intently with the hope of learning new things.
• Concentrates and pays close attention during demonstrations to ensure she understands task requirements.
• Takes directions well and is quick to apply directions to tasks.
• Is always attentive in class and asks for clarification when required.
• Is good at working in small groups unaided by a teacher.
• Listens intently to others and takes their opinions in mind.
• Excels when given leadership roles in small groups.
• Appears to thrive in group learning situations.
• Has developed strong skills in communicating in groups.
• Works productively in groups of all sizes to get tasks done.
• Has a knack for managing multiple personalities in group situations.
• Could work on sharing resources more fairly during group tasks.
• Needs to work on allowing other group members equal time to speak during group discussions.

Strong Organization and Time Management

• Always arrives to class on time with her books and is ready to learn.
• Is exceptionally good at completing tasks in a timely manner.
• Is a natural organizer and is often seen helping to get her peers organized and ready for tasks.
• Is always trusted to meet deadlines.
• Uses color coding and headings in her books effectively to organize her notes.
• Keeps a neat and organized work space at all times.

Good at Homework

• Always comes to class with very neat and well written homework.
• Tends to complete independent homework tasks with ease.
• Thrives with independent homework tasks, which are always presented in a timely manner.
• Comes to class with great questions based on the assigned homework tasks, showing thoughtfulness and independence.
• Can be trusted to complete her homework in time.
• Often asks for extra homework. She has shown great thirst for knowledge.

Read Also: 27 Pros and Cons of Homework

Strong Participation

• Is always willing to jump in and participate in any task.
• Is a great helper, always giving people a hand when she sees they are in need.
• Participates in all tasks, no matter her skill level. This enthusiasm is laudable.
• Always comes to class willing to get involved in the daily activities.
• Is always the first person to put their hand up to volunteer for a task.
• Loves to learn by getting involved and gaining first-hand experiences.
• Is beginning to develop her own interest and is eager to learn more about them.
• Has a strong personal interest in ________ and has been taking the initiative to explore the topic.
• Is very enthusiastic about ________ and has shown great promise in this area.
• Has picked a great extracurricular hobby of _____. Her skills learned in this hobby has helped to boost her confidence in the classroom.
• Shows interest in a variety of different topics which she has been enthusiastically exploring during free study time.
• Always finds personal interest in topics presented in class.

Independence

• Is showing increasing independence to learn and study without the need for excessive guidance.
• Is a fiercely independent person who knows what she wants and goes out to get it.
• Has an independent and free spirited mind.
• Is not afraid to go against the majority if she is certain of her beliefs and thoughts.
• Happily goes about her tasks independently but seeks help when required.
• Shows confidence striking out on her own to do things she is interested in.

Strong Learning and Thinking Skills

• Is very resourceful and uses the internet, books and peers to find new knowledge.
• Is aware of her learning styles and makes every effort to work to her strengths as a student.
• Uses higher-order thinking strategies like analysis and critique to question assumptions.
• Knows when she needs help and asks for it willingly.
• Thinks deeply about her responses before providing them.
• Is very good at reflecting on her weaknesses and working on them to grow as a person.
• Is great at solving problems using her own initiative.

Good Attention to Detail

• Pays close attention to the details of a tasks so that she doesn’t miss anything.
• Is very systematic about going about her tasks so she can complete them thoroughly.
• Is great at identifying small and nuanced mistakes in her own work.
• Always creates very presentable and professional looking pieces of work.
• Has great self-reflection skills , being able to identify her own strengths and weaknesses.
• Can pause and look at her own work to identify areas for improvement.
• Has the ability to stop and change course when she identifies areas for improvement.
• Is very good at identifying and repairing errors in drafts.
• Has exercised great thoughtfulness about her own capabilities.
• Has shown the ability to empathize with classmates and show great compassion.

Perseverance and Determination

• Shows great determination when is set a challenging task.
• Perseveres through difficulties to achieve her goals.
• Is resilient in the face of significant challenges and problems presented.
• Will always work through struggles and come out the other end more confident and skilled.

Constructive Comments

Present constructive comments to show the areas for improvement for the student. Carefully craft the comments so they’re not overly upsetting or impersonal.

Negative Attitude to Learning

• Occasionally needs special assistance to stay on task.
• Requires some coaxing to complete tasks.
• Is at times distracted or uninterested in learning.
• Is working on paying more attention to her tasks.
• Has some off days where she is uninterested in learning.
• Is easily distracted by friends.
• Will often come to class unwilling to contribute to group discussions.

Needs Improvement

• Needs to work on focus and concentration during class time.
• Has improved in some areas, but continues to slip behind in others.
• Is showing some lack of focus and is slipping behind in some subjects.
• There is still a lot of room for growth and we are working on improving her focus and drive in coming months.
• It would be great to see some improvement in her weakest subjects in the future.
• I would like to see her asking for help when stuck on tasks.

Disruptive Behavior

• Can occasionally disrupt her friends and classmates.
• Is at times a distraction to other students.
• Can be unsettled when entering the class after breaks.
• Can be talkative during quiet times and individual tasks.
• Could work on being more considerate to other classmates.
• Has had a difficult time getting comfortable in class this year.
• Has at times sought undue attention and distracted the flow of lessons.

Read Also: 13 Best Classroom Management Theories

Low Motivation

• Sometimes struggles to engage in class discussions.
• Requires a lot of external rewards to get focused.
• Works well below her capabilities due to lack of motivation to do her best.
• Relies heavily on extrinsic motivation. It would be great to see more intrinsic desire to succeed in coming months.
• Struggles to find things she is interested in.
• Has trouble getting engaged and interested in class topics.
• Will respond well to rewards but struggles to use initiative.
• Needs to dig deep and find greater motivation to learn in coming months.

Is Not Neat and Tidy

• Occasionally presents work that is messy and difficult to read.
• I would like to see her paying more attention to neatness in her writing.
• It would be great to see her showing more care for her workspace to ensure all her belongings are well cared for.
• At times comes to class disheveled and disorganized.
• Presents homework that is untidy and appears to have been rushed.
• Needs to work on ensuring her work is presentable, neat, and error-free.

Weak Communication Skills

• Speaks very softly. An area for improvement is speaking up in class discussions.
• Could work some more on communicating her opinions during discussions.
• Is often shy and intimidated when asked to speak up in class discussions.
• Needs coaxing to share her thoughts in class.
• Can work on being clearer when expressing her thoughts in writing.
• I look forward to seeing further development in expressing her thoughts in class.

Poor Listening Skills

• Has had some trouble paying attention to others during class discussions.
• Has some trouble listening to peers and teachers.
• Is easily distracted during class discussions.
• Is a good talker but needs to work on pausing and listening to others more attentively.
• Is often fidgety and distracted when spoken to.
• Is often resistant to make eye contact and be responsive when spoken to.
• Has trouble repeating and remembering instructions.

Read Also: 47 Best Classroom Rules for Middle and High School

Weak Organization and Time Management

• Tends to leave tasks to the last minute.
• Often submits incomplete drafts due to poor time management.
• Is often disorganized and forgets important school supplies.
• Has submitted homework late on several occasions.
• Could work on using her time more efficiently to complete tasks in allotted time periods.
• I would like to see her working on her organizational skills in coming months so she can use her class time more efficiently.

Bad at Homework

• Will often skip assigned homework tasks.
• Regularly forgets to bring homework to school.
• Her homework is often brought to class incomplete and rushed.
• Is often seen completing homework tasks the morning before they are due.
• I would like to see her working on setting aside more time for homework in the coming months.
• Is good at class work, but needs more initiative to complete her weekly homework in a timely manner.

Poor Attention to Detail

• Could be getting higher grades if she edited her work more carefully before submission.
• Will sometimes make mistakes due to distractedness and carelessness.
• Has started to let carelessness seep into his work for the past few months.
• Often does not pay enough attention to test questions, leading to small unforced errors.

Preschool and Kindergarten Comments

Here are some great comments specifically for children in the early years of their development.

Play Based Learning – Strong

• Plays well with other children.
• Shares resources with her peers during play time.
• Has begun to develop cooperative play skills such as sharing and taking turns.
• Is a creative and imaginative learner.
• Engages in strong exploratory and discovery play behaviors without prompting.
• Is enthusiastic and engaged when given developmentally appropriate resources to play with.
• Thrives in unstructured play environments where she can explore, learn and discover in her own time.
• Has started to use extended vocabulary well during play scenarios.
• Is great at taking measured risks during play which reveals great self-confidence for her age.

Play Based Learning – Needs Improvement

• Plays in parallel with other children, but needs to start developing cooperative play strategies in the coming months.
• Is good at solitary play, but needs more practice sharing and playing with other students.
• Is curious about playing with others, but often sits back due to shyness.
• Needs encouragement to use more language skills during play-based learning .
• Struggles to take turns when playing with others.

Strong Development

• Is developing in an age appropriate way and continues to show good progress.
• Has visibly developed fine and gross motor skills during class sessions.
• Is using language at an age appropriate level.
• Is starting to move out of her comfort zone to explore more and more new challenges.
• Is socially, cognitively and physically on track for transition to school.

Socialization

• Has shown remarkable strides in communication skills at preschool.
• Plays well with others.
• Is a thoughtful and kind student who plays well with others.
• Always shares and thinks about others during play scenarios.
• Is a popular student who finds it very easy to make friends with other children.
• Has been seen to show some great emerging leadership skills during play scenarios.
• Is very happy to play in groups and learn from peers .

Final Thoughts

I will often start with a comment bank like the one above. For each student, I’ll copy four or five of the most suitable statements.

But, I will also follow-up my generic comment from the comment bank with a specific example for the parents to read.

Parents do like to see that you have provided specific and thoughtful statements – so don’t forget to use the student’s name and specific anecdotes as much as possible.

I do hope this comment bank for report card comments has come in handy for you.

Remember to also maintain a positive but honest and constructive voice when writing.

If there is serious concern that might be difficult to express in writing, you should arrange for a parent-teacher conference to have a discussion and see how things progress.

Good luck with your report card writing!

About The Author: Hi, I’m Chris Drew (Ph.D) and I run things around here. I’m an Education expert and university professor.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

Steelers' Art Rooney II discredits NFLPA report card after poor marks, prefers direct feedback from players

T his offseason, the second annual NFL Players Association report cards were released , ranking teams on facilities, food provided, family care, head coaches, owners and more. The report cards are meant to serve as a way for players to have their voices heard regarding concerns for their teams and for owners to look at what they need to improve on.

They surveyed 1,706 players, which comes out to nearly 76% of players in the league, an increase from 60% last year. The report cards were glowing for some and eye-opening for others.

Some owners are using the survey to pinpoint where to improve on for next season, while others are dismissing the results.

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II is one owner who does not seem too concerned about where his team fell, despite being ranked 28th out of 32. He undermined the results, saying it is a way for the NFLPA to get media attention.

"It doesn't get presented to us, it gets presented to the media, so as far as I'm concerned it's a media opportunity for the Players Association as opposed to a serious effort of constructive criticism," Rooney said (via The Athletic ).

Rooney said he would rather receive feedback from players directly.

The Steelers received an F- in "treatment of families," a B- in "food/cafeteria," a D in "nutritionist/dietician," an F in "locker room," a D+ in "training room," a C in "training staff" and "weight room," a B+ in "strength coaches," a D in "team travel" and an F in "owner" (aka Rooney). The only grade they received higher than a B- on was in head coach, as Mike Tomlin received an A.

The Arizona Cardinals were the only other team to have an F grade for their owner and the Kansas City Chiefs were the lone F- in that category. If it weren't for Tomlin's high grade, the Steelers would have fallen even lower in the overall ranking. 

Last season, the Steelers received a D- in "treatment of families," a B+ in "nutrition," a C in "weight room," an A- in "strength staff," a D- in "training room," a B+ in "training staff," a D+ in "locker room," and a B in "travel."

They went down in "treatment of families," "nutrition," "strength staff," "locker room" and "travel." They went up slightly in "training room," though remained in the D range, and stayed the same in "weight room."

The NFLPA  explains the aim of the report cards on its website: "One of our core jobs as a union is to improve the overall working conditions for our players, which includes the daily experience of players at the team facilities away from the lights and cameras. ... Our goals were to highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement, and highlight best practices and standards."

The only teams that fell lower on the overall list were the New England Patriots (No. 29), the Los Angeles Chargers (No. 30), the Chiefs (No. 31) and the Washington Commanders , who came in last. 

2024 NFL draft: Latest buzz, prospect risers, Round 1 rumors

• Multiple Contributors

We're less than one month from Round 1 of the 2024 NFL draft . Draft boards are starting to firm up, team needs are becoming more clear and prospects are making their final on-field statements at pro days across the country. And along the way, intrigue around what every team is going to do on Day 1 is picking up.

We've heard a lot of buzz about early picks, standout players, potential trades and the quarterback market . So we asked NFL draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates to break down the latest intel from around the league and dish on what they've heard on the road at pro days this month.

Who are the biggest pro day risers? Which prospects are our experts higher or lower on than general consensus? And what are the wild-card teams that could surprise everyone in the first round? We get into all that and then let Matt, Jordan and Field empty their scouting notebooks with what they're hearing, seeing and thinking as we near April.

Jump to: Prospects rising after their pro days Prospects we like more -- or less -- than most Round 1's biggest wild-card teams Everything else we're hearing this week

Which prospect is rising most from his pro day performance?

Create an account

Create a free IEA account to download our reports or subcribe to a paid service.

Global Methane Tracker 2024

About this report

Methane is responsible for around 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution, and rapid and sustained reductions in methane emissions are key to limiting near-term global warming and improving air quality. The energy sector – including oil, natural gas, coal and bioenergy – accounts for over a third of methane emissions from human activity. The IEA’s Global Methane Tracker is an indispensable tool in the fight to bring down emissions from across the energy sector.

This year’s update provides our latest estimates of emissions from across the sector – drawing on the more recent data and readings from satellites and ground-based measurements – and the costs and opportunities to reduce these emissions. It also tracks current pledges and policies to drive down methane emissions and progress towards these goals. For the first time the Tracker includes the investments needed to deliver emissions reductions and the potential revenue from these measures. 

Online table of contents

1.0 key findings.

Read online

2.0 Understanding methane emissions

3.0 what did cop28 mean for methane, 4.0 methane emissions in a 1.5 °c pathway, 5.0 tracking pledges, targets and action, 6.0 progress on data and lingering uncertainties, methane tracker database.

Database of country and regional estimates for methane emissions and abatement options and free datasets.

Related files

• Documentation Download "Documentation"
• Acknowledgements Download "Acknowledgements"

Documentation

Previous editions, cite report.

IEA (2024), Global Methane Tracker 2024 , IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/global-methane-tracker-2024, Licence: CC BY 4.0

Share this report

• Share on Twitter Twitter
• Share on Facebook Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn LinkedIn
• Share on Email Email
• Share on Print Print

Subscription successful

Thank you for subscribing. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of any IEA newsletter.