0 What is the Purpose of a Report Card?

Posted by Atsumori. Category: Children First , Collaboration , EverySchool , Professional Learning

Last week, prior to analyzing new ideas for a report card, I posed the question, "What is the purpose of the report card?" 

My question was met with surprise.  I think people were surprised that I asked that question because they may have felt that everyone knows what a report card is for?

Yet, in this changing landscape of education, I am wondering about the purpose of the report card, and I am wondering about the audience for whom we are writing the report card.

Is the report card written for the child.  If so, then we have to think carefully about the language and intent.  After all, we don't want to discourage children.  Instead, we want to inspire them.  We also want to build their metacognitive awareness by helping them to understand who they are as learners--their strengths, interests, and challenges.  If the report card is mainly for children, then that will affect not only the way we create the card, but also the way we mark and share the report.

Is the report card for the family members.  If so, that requires sensitivity to the fact that families differ with respect to their knowledge and understanding of school talk and vocabulary.  How will we write a card that will be understandable to all. Also, how will we write a card that helps families help their children--what kinds of comments, descriptors, and "grades" will serve to support families when it comes to supporting their child's education. Perhaps the report card is simply written to prompt a successful parent-teacher conference.

Is the report card for administrators?  If that's the case, the report card may become part of evidence requirements for new evaluation systems, and perhaps, administrators will use report cards to decide if a teacher is on probation or reaching proficiency?  If the report card is for administrators, what kind of language and "grading" would be most helpful in that regard.

Is the report card fo the collegial team?  Is it a way to compare and contrast our students?  Will the report card help us with RTI efforts and our ability to teach all children well.

In the old days, report cards were a way for teachers to assess students.  Sadly, when I was at school, a child with developmental issues would be given an "F" because he or she wasn't keeping up with the others.  Also children from homes that could not support their education or emotional well being were similarly marked with "D" or "F" sending a message that the child was unworthy, unsuccessful, and probably not going very far.

I believe that report cards should be written with children and shared with the learning community.  Report cards should serve to send a message of "here are the learning goals I've reached so far," "here are the current challenges," and "here's how my family and teachers can support me to reach those goals."  I think a report card as a "working document" that inspires and provides strategies for growth is a good idea, but I also believe that the card has to be crafted carefully so that it serves children's positive growth well.

Asking for the purpose before starting a task is an essential first step?  When we understand the underlying purpose of, and audience for, a task, we are better able to do the job well.  Don't you agree?

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