When you’re writing report card comments and progress reports, it can be a real puzzle to get across how each student is doing. But here’s the deal: kick things off with the good stuff. We’re talking about the wins, the high-fives, the “I’m doing awesome” moments. By including assessments of both academic achievements and personal behaviors in the report card, students and parents can recognize strengths and areas for growth. To make your life easier, we have provided a selection of thoughtful and flexible report card comments to give students a boost as they head into the summer months.

Provided below are subject specific comments at three levels of achievement.

Mathematics

Proficient

• It is apparent that ____ enjoys math. He/she participates in class and can always explain his/her work.
  
• It is a joy to correct ____’s math work pages. He/she takes pride in his/her work and is very proficient in math.
  

Making Progress

•  ____ has memorized all of his/her ____ facts. This impacts his/her ability to complete assignments accurately . Please keep using the flashcards at home each evening to increase speed.
• ____ is steadily improving in math. He/she pays attention in class and completes his/her work with few errors . I am pleased with his/her progress.
• ____ has shown increased interest in math. This is reflected in his/her math scores.

Needs Improvement

• ____’s progress in math is not consistent. Although he/she has made some progress, he/she needs to continue reviewing ____ every evening.
• ____ is struggling in math. He/she does not seem to enjoy it at all. We need to continue working on basic skills to build a stronger foundation in math.
• Encourage ____ to use flashcards and complete all math homework to strengthen skills and develop confidence.
  

Language Arts

Proficient

• ____ asks pertinent questions and participates in story discussions. He/she is a leader in our classroom.
• ____ demonstrates critical thinking in writing. He/she also expresses his/her ideas clearly and concisely.
•  ____ has done well this semester. He/she shows great enthusiasm when doing in-class activities.

Making Progress

• ____ is reading fluently but does not comprehend what he/she reads. When ____ reads at home, ask him/her questions about the story.
• ____ does not willingly participate in reading activities. We need to help him/her develop more skills so reading is easier. We should also help him/her choose interesting books so reading is more enjoyable.
• ____ is not retaining ____ . He/she needs more repetition and practice at home.

Social Skills

Proficient

• ____ is cheerful and friendly. He/she assumes responsibility, excels in the classroom, and is well-liked by his/her peers.
• ____ always has time to do something nice for other students. For this reason, he/she is well-liked among his/her peers.

Making Progress

• ____’s social maturity is improving. We need to continue supporting him/her in this area.
• ____ has a great sense of humor that we all enjoy. He/she is now learning when it is more appropriate to be serious.

Needs Improvement

• ____ tries to dominate every activity. He/she needs to take turns and be more considerate of others.
• ____ frequently interrupts others. We will be working to develop patience.
  

Behavior

Proficient

• ______ shares and listens. He/she works well with others.
• _______is a pleasant, respectful, and well-behaved student.

Making Progress

• _______ is learning to anticipate the consequences of his/her actions. This is improving his/her behavior because he/she is taking time to think before acting.
• There has been noticeable improvement in _______’s behavior. He/she has made an effort to cooperate with his/her peers and practice self-control. Thank you for your support.

Needs Improvement

• _______ can be very aggressive towards his classmates. Perhaps we should have him/her meet with the school counselor.
• Please encourage _______ to use socially appropriate language at all time.

These suggested comments are a jumping off point for a direct line of communication between teachers and parents. These comments provide a clear, concise, and constructive update on progress. When teachers take the time to craft thoughtful report card comments, they have the potential to be incredibly effective, not only offering encouragement but also making a positive impact on both students and their parents.