The Report Card

BY: KATHY MCDONALD

It’s hard to believe that the elections are finally over. While I truly enjoyed canvassing and speaking to my constituents my feet ache and they are glad for the reprieve. I was elated at the results but had to quickly shift gears and write this column. Well, report cards are coming out soon and I wanted to share some of my thoughts on how and what to look for when reading a report card and the questions one should be asking when discussing the report card. I will be addressing the latter in the next edition.

Like most parents I know, as soon as you open the envelope and begin reading the report card you probably look to see how many As your child got. After a cursory glance, you then start a more careful examination of the entire document. It is during this time that most parents start reading the comments that were inputted to the document. You read all about your child’s strengths and review the next steps for improvement.

I have realized that the “Learning Skills” component usually receives a fleeting glance. I would like to caution parents and caregivers about this practice. In today’s ever-changing world post-secondary institutions are indeed paying attention to the six learning skills that are listed on your child’s report card. The learning skills are Responsibility, Independent Work, Initiative, Organization, Collaboration, and Self-Regulation. It is important to note that it is these same learning skills, if mastered, will serve your children well as they enter any workforce. Which employer wouldn’t want a responsible, organized and collaborative worker who is capable of working independently, can self-regulate and will take the initiative to do what needs to be done?

Learning skills are assigned letter marks E,G,S, and N.E. indicating that the learner is excellent in the particular domain. G denotes good, S denotes satisfactory and N indicates that the learner needs improvement. Some of the comments under the learning skills category may include: fulfils responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment; independently monitors, assesses and revise plans to complete tasks and meet goals; looks for and act on new ideas and opportunities for learning; devices and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks; responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values and traditions of others and identifies learning opportunities, choices and strategies to meet personal needs and achieve goals. Such skills are used to judge your child’s curiosity for learning, ability to follow instructions and their ability to behave in an appropriate manner. So, pay attention to this section of the report card.

Does your child have an Individual Education Plan (IEP)? If the answer is yes, then you should be reviewing it. When reviewing it you should triple check that it is being followed. If your child requires accommodations of any sort you should make sure that they are receiving them. Under the education act, children that have an IEP are legally entitled to any accommodation listed; from having access to assistive technology to extra time to write a test. An IEP should not be archived or shelved. This is a legal document that must be maintained and updated. Your child’s IEP can follow him or her to their post-secondary institution. I would encourage parents and caregivers to make sure that they read the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification when necessary. If your child is in an enhanced learning program check to make sure that they are receiving the enhancements that they should be receiving. Invariably the assumption is made that “gifted students will turn out ok”. This is not necessarily the case. Gifted children have educational needs that if not met can have dire consequences.

There are other very valuable pieces of information that are contained in a report card. For example, attendance and punctuality are noted on a report card. Where warranted, parents should not neglect to question their children if there are unexcused absences or lateness listed on their report card. Such incidence could be a sign of what is to come or an indication of other issues. Be vigilant.

As the Peel District School Board works to ensure that we inspire success, confidence, and hope in each child we cannot do this alone. We need you, parents and caregivers to partner with us. The parent’s voice is very important and when an important document like a report card is sent home make sure you read it and read it carefully. It is crucial to keep the original stored safely as school boards do not maintain such records indefinitely. So now that you have read the report card I would like to take you on another adventure next week. So, journey with me as we discuss the Parent Teacher Interview. Walk Good! Belle Marché.