[This blog is part of a series that begins with this recent post about our SBL journey.]

The primary function of a report card is to serve as a communication device.  

Personalized comments on the report cards are one small, but important piece of this process.  We have specific expectations when it comes to the comments section of our report cards and we want these expectations to contribute to the communication occurring throughout the rest of the term.

Our semester report cards at the end of second and fourth quarter contain course summaries and personalized comments.  These personalized comments should include at least a couple of sentences that highlight a strength and an area for growth for each student.  The goal is to make these personalized comments unique to each student and provide meaningful feedback as they continue to grow.  Meanwhile, the course summary comments are similar or identical for all job-alike teachers at both middle schools and do not have any personalization (these are the only comments shared on first and third quarter progress reports).

Reports cards and progress reports should not stand alone in conveying information about the learning and growth of each student.  We want individualized communication to take place in multiple ways throughout the year so the teacher, student, and family can effectively partner together to promote student growth.   

As we continue to learn and grow together on our SBL journey please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or any staff member at Caruso Middle School to ask questions or provide feedback.