A Small Guide to Surviving Report Card Season

Posted by | March 09, 2023

Smiling Latin teacher in glasses sitting at table and using tablet while assisting boy with homework at tutorial

Whether you cheer or moan at report card season, there is no avoiding it! Luckily, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself, and your mind, for writing report card comments.

Start Early

Start early! This cannot be stressed enough, especially when there are dozens of report cards to address. For situations where you must wait and receive the school’s template, begin jotting down remarks on the individual student elsewhere. Keeping a report card comments diary or online folder at the beginning of every semester will help monitor the student’s progress and give examples of what to write in the comment section.

Set a Time Limit

In addition to addressing report card comments early, set yourself a time limit. Creating remarks on each individual student can not only take time but can interfere with your regular day’s schedule. Set aside an hour or two for report cards and take in an enjoyable activity with family or friends. Return to the report cards the next day and follow the same schedule.

Avoid Jargon

Academic terms and phrases are fine amongst colleagues and in classroom reports. For student report cards, consider using familiar everyday words to highlight your comments. This is not a reflection of the reader per say but a suggestion to avoid miscommunication.

Do Not Waffle

It is easy to begin explaining in detail the entire semester or year’s progress but refrain from waffling. Giving yourself a limit of words for the comment section can ensure only the main points are focused on. This limitation can also help to provide guidance in choosing appropriate wording.

Use an Easy-to-Understand Grading Scale

Regardless of the curriculum and policies of the school, writing report card comments should be in easy-to-understand clear language. Use the grading scale to explain any progress of the student throughout the semester in terms everyone can understand.

Control Your Reaction

It is imperative that when writing report card comments, emotions are kept tucked away. The future educational path of the student depends on the formal remarks presented. These comments are upheld by the student, the parent(s), and other educational support systems. Good or bad, the comments must be communicated at an equal level with tactful discipline and encouraging positive reinforcement.

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