Report Card Comments

Writing Report Card Comments

Report cards comments in Ontario have moved to a three step process.  For each student, we are asked to comment on:

• A Strength – Ask yourself, what has the student learned or done well at?

• An Example – Give an example of this strength

• A Next Step – Identify next steps for improvement (I tend to use this last sentence to comment on learning skills and what the student could work on in the future)

I use a chart format to write all of my comments to ensure that I’ve covered all three aspects like the one shown below.  The first thing I do is fill in all of the student’s names for each section I’m teaching.  Next, I look at my mark book to determine what unit the student excelled in and more specifically if their highest mark was on a quiz, assignment, test, etc.  I then enter this info into the middle box.  As I start to fill in the chart, I replace that information with a structured comment.

NAME	STRENGTH What has the student learned?	EXAMPLE Describe significant strengths	NEXT STEP Identify next steps for improvement
Smith, John		Trigonometry Assignment
Johnson, Lisa		Personal Finance Assignment & Chapter Test

.

NAME	STRENGTH What has the student learned?	EXAMPLE Describe significant strengths	NEXT STEP Identify next steps for improvement
Smith, John	John grasps mathematical concepts easily and is able to apply them where appropriate.	He has excelled in each unit, especially in Trigonometry, where he was able to solve problems involving the sine law and cosine law in acute triangles on his assignment.	John should work on showing all mathematical steps leading to the final answer and strive to maintain his high level of achievement to date.
Johnson, Lisa	Lisa has good numerical skills and is able to independently solve problems when first given an example.	She demonstrated a good understanding of the personal finance unit where she successfully solved problems involving credit card interest and calculated costs associated with owning and operating a vehicle on both her assignment and chapter test.	Lisa is encouraged to put more effort into her daily assigned work which is excellent practice for her tests and assessment pieces.

I have included many example comments for Secondary Math below.

Examples of STRENGTH comments.

What has the student learned?

{name} performs well on assigned work in class. 

{name} is able to follow the steps of a simple problem solving process.

{name} follows simple mathematical arguments and takes excellent notes during class.

{name} has a good understanding of mathematical concepts, especially those related to _____________.

{name} is able to follow examples and correctly substitute numbers into formulae to solve problems.

{name} always comes to class prepared and has demonstrated a strong work ethic by completing all assigned tasks.

{name} demonstrated a logical approach to problem solving during the ________ unit.

{name} consistently hands in assignments and homework on time.

{name} is able to perform complex mathematical steps with accuracy.

{name} has good numerical skills and is able to independently solve problems when first given an example. 

{name} is able to follow simple mathematical arguments.

{name} is able to apply concepts and procedures to solve simple problems.

{name} demonstrated a thorough knowledge of ______ and a logical approach to the problem solving process.

{name} takes the time to ensure he provides complete and organized solutions to problems.

{name} demonstrates considerable understanding of mathematical concepts, especially those related to _______.

{name} is able to correctly substitute numbers into formulae to solve problems.

{name} has shown an improvement in his work habits in both directed and independent assignments.

{name} has demonstrated considerable understanding of the concepts covered this term and can justify the reasoning used in solving a problem.

{name} is willing to participate in discussions and provide answers in class.

{name} is able to communicate with considerable clarity and routinely contributes to class discussions.

{name} consistently shows good effort and arrives prepared for class.

{name} is able to perform complex mathematical steps accurately. 

{name} consistently hands in assignments and homework on time and has a good understanding of the mathematical concepts covered thus far.

{name} is able to follow examples and correctly substitute numbers into formulae to solve problems.

{name} demonstrates a logical approach to problem solving.

{name} presents solution in an organized and logical manner.

{name} follows simple mathematical arguments and is able to communicate with some clarity and justification of reasoning.

{name} has good numerical skills and can use them in a variety of contexts.

{name} is able to perform repetitive tasks, when first given an example.

{name} comes to class prepared and has handed in all assessment pieces to date.

{name} is able to correctly identify key pieces of information given in a problem and then substitute numbers into formulae to solve it.

{name} is able to apply steps of a problem solving process with considerable effectiveness.

{name} applies required knowledge clearly and precisely.

{name} demonstrates a thorough understanding of all concepts and communicates with considerable clarity and justification of reasoning. 

{name} routinely applies mathematical concepts and procedures to solve complex problems.

Examples of EXAMPLE comments for specific courses listed.  (more to be added in the future)

 Describe significant strengths

MAT1L MAT2L 
MFM1P
MPM1D 
MFM2P 
MPM2D
MBF3C
MCF3M
MCR3U
MAP4C 

Examples of NEXT STEPS comments.

Identify Next Steps for Improvement

{name} should focus on preparing more thoroughly for tests to improve his achievement level.

{name} should prepare more thoroughly for tests and final exams.  I recommend he speak with a guidance counselor to ensure he is in the level best suited to his capabilities for grade ___ math.

{name} should continue to ask for help as soon as difficulties arise and complete assigned work in class.

{name} should practice basic math facts such as multiplying and dividing.  A mastery of computational skills will improve his confidence in mathematics.

{name} needs to work on arriving to class on time and catching up on missed notes. 

{name} should continue to practice his math skills by completing all work assigned in class.

{name} should continue to ask for help as soon as difficulties arise and prepare more thoroughly for tests to improve her achievement level.

{name} should practice manipulating quadratic equations and factoring trinomials in order to prepare for next year.

{name} should concentrate on the organization and structure of solutions to problems and strive to maintain his high level of performance to date.

{name} should practice factoring quadratic equations and maintain his excellent work ethic in grade __ math

{name} should practice expanding binomials and factoring trinomials in order to prepare for the quadratics unit in grade __ math.

{name} needs to attend class regularly and make up tests, evaluations and assignments that he has missed due to a number of absences. 

{name} needs to attend class regularly so he can benefit from peer discussions, teacher support, and show his learning on assignments and tests.

{name} should continue to ask for help as soon as difficulties arise and put forth a consistent effort in completing assigned work in class.

{name} should strive to complete all work assigned in grade ___ math as it will lead to a better overall understanding of the concepts covered.

{name} should continue improving his attendance in order to keep good notes on concepts that will be assessed and evaluated.

{name} should continue to ask for help as soon as difficulties arise and put more effort into completing all assignments to the best of his ability.

{name} should work on providing complete, well-organized solutions to problems and develop confidence in his abilities.

{name} should continue to develop confidence in his abilities by attempting to solve problems on his own before seeking assistance.

{name} should work on providing complete, well-organized solutions to problems and strive to complete and hand in all assigned work.

{name} should aim to complete all assigned work, and prepare more thoroughly for tests.  I recommend he speak with a guidance counselor to ensure he is in the level best suited to his capabilities.

{name} should work on providing complete solutions by showing all mathematical steps leading to the final answer.

{name} should aim to hand in missing assignments in order to ensure success in this course.

{name} is encouraged to take more responsibility for completing all assigned tasks and assessment pieces.  These pieces lead to a better overall understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

{name} is encouraged to put more effort into his daily assigned work.  Completion of this work is excellent practice for his tests and other assessment pieces.

{name} understanding of the concepts covered in this course would increase with more focus during lessons and the completion of assigned practice work.

 Although {name}is able to communicate his knowledge effectively, he should continue to work on providing organized and complete solutions on paper

{name} should maintain her outstanding work ethic and focus in the classroom and check more thoroughly for small errors before handing in work.

{name} should work on rereading problems to identify the most important aspects to consider before beginning his solution. 

{name} should work on improving his focus during independent work in class.

{name} should strive to maintain his excellent work ethic and focus and is encouraged to explore additional math courses in the future.

MAT1L MAT2L