A Practical Report Card Writing Guide for Teachers
However, many teachers find it difficult to express their observations clearly and professionally. It can be a challenge to assign appropriate grades, describe conduct, and write helpful, respectful comments without sounding negative or vague. This process requires keen observation, language skill, and a deep understanding of the pupil.
Accuracy and clarity are essential. Teachers are advised to review entries for grammar, spelling, and accuracy of scores. It also helps to draft entries in pencil before finalising them in ink.
This guide is intended to support teachers in creating effective, respectful, and constructive report card entries.
Important Features of a Well-Written Report Card
1. Use Respectful and Constructive Language
Always write in a positive tone—even when highlighting challenges. The goal is to inform and encourage, not to condemn.
- ❌ “Amina is not making progress in her English language.”
- ✅ “Amina can strengthen her performance in English by reading regularly and practicing new vocabulary.”
2. Provide Actionable Suggestions
Feedback should be specific and based on classroom observations. Parents appreciate knowing how they can help at home.
- ✅ “Kobby would benefit from a calm study space and regular support with homework routines.”
3. Avoid Negative Labels
Avoid using judgmental or harmful language. Focus instead on behaviour and improvement.
- ❌ “Linda is a lazy child who always causes trouble.”
- ✅ “Linda is making efforts to improve her focus and is showing more positive interaction with classmates.”
- ✅ “She is working on her self-control and learning to cooperate more effectively during group work.”
Grading Scale for Report Cards
Basic School (Primary 1–6)
- 80–100% = Excellent
- 70–79% = Very Good
- 60–69% = Good
- 45–59% = Pass
- 35–44% = Weak
- Below 35% = Very Weak
(Note: Earlier error “35 and below = every week” corrected to “Below 35% = Very Weak”)
Junior High School (JHS 1–3)
- 80–100% = Grade 1 (Highest)
- 70–79% = Grade 2 (Higher)
- 60–69% = Grade 3 (High)
- 55–59% = Grade 4 (High Average)
- 50–54% = Grade 5 (Average)
- 45–49% = Grade 6 (Low Average)
- 40–44% = Grade 7 (Low)
- 35–39% = Grade 8 (Lowest)
- 0–34% = Grade 9 (Fail)
Sample Report Card Comments
(Original comments retained exactly as requested.)
Sample Attitude Comments
- Hard-working and diligent.
- Shows great enthusiasm for learning.
- A responsible student who leads with initiative.
- Active and engaged during class activities.
- Always ready and willing to work.
- Enjoys being challenged with new tasks.
- Respectful and friendly towards peers and teachers.
- Shows inconsistency in focus; can be easily distracted.
- Could apply himself/herself more consistently.
- Shows a strong interest in visual arts and drawing.
- Is a talented musician with a good sense of rhythm.
- Excels in sports, particularly in track and field events.
- Has a natural aptitude for Mathematics.
- Enjoys drumming and cultural dance.
- Is passionate about drama and team sports.
- A strong debater and enjoys school quizzes.
- Loves hands-on activities and practical science experiments.
- Respectful and cheerful.
- Humble and calm, though sometimes too quiet.
- Approachable and supportive of classmates.
- Helpful and cooperative.
- Is learning to interact more positively with colleagues.
- Struggles with regular attendance.
- Can be headstrong and requires firm guidance.
- Shows improvement in respecting classroom rules.
- Keep up the excellent work!
- Has shown significant improvement this term.
- Could do better with consistent effort.
- There is more room for improvement.
- A pleasure to have in class.
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