Report Cards

It's report card time! Report cards have changed so much since I was in school. We used to get a general comment of maybe one sentence on our report cards. Now report cards are a lengthy- consisting of comments for every subject which should comment on strengths, needs and next steps. And there is the all important learning skills comment at the end. That one is the kicker. Gosh they are time consuming and I am not convinced parents look at more than that instantly gratifying letter grade and ignore the rest. Most report card comments consist of the edu-ese qualifying statements like "rarely", "sometimes", "usually" and "always".





Anyway being up-to-date on current report card practises I was eager to see Matthew's. I knew the behaviour stuff was going to be on there. That was a given but I hoped to see more of how his learning was progressing. Alas I was a bit disappointed. Most teachers I know have difficulty fitting all they want to say in the small space. Unfortunately Matthew's teacher doesn't have that problem.



English:

Reading B-

Writing C+

Oral and Visual Communication C+



Comment: Matthew reads independently, with regular assistance and shows significant knowledge of the text. Journal writing and spelling strategies are developing, as journal entries are getting longer. He is working on relating material read to personal knowledge and experience.



Mathematics(there are 5 strands only 3 are reported on):

Number Sense and Numeration: B-

Measurement: B

Patterning and Algebra: B-



Science and Technology: B



Social Studies: B



Health and Physical Education: B-



The Arts:

Music- C

Visual Arts - B

Drama and Dance - C+



Learning Skills Comment:

Matthew is working to complete assignments on time but sometimes requires reinstruction and cueing to stay on task. He is starting to set some goals to improve work. Printing skills, neatness, and organization skills are starting to show some improvement as his fine motor skills are limited. Matthew needs work on positive strategies to resolve conflicts at recess. He continues to work on making "good" decisions in the classroom. Matthew is helpful and enjoys the many friendships in class.







Every subject area gets a comment but I didn't include them all. I think you get the idea. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before but Matthew gets OT for some fine motor issues. He's gotten it since SK and while it's gotten better, it's still an area of concern.

I don't disagree with the actual grades. While I'd love to see all A's I am a realist. Matthew puts forth an effort on some things but not on everything. I think he will "get" reading. He's almost there. Will he be a "reader"? Hmmmm jury is out on that one. I hope he will be and he'll buck the seemingly natural course of many boys. But, like I said, time will tell.


Oh and Matt's dr. appt is tomorrow after school. I'm interested to see what she says.