How to write Ontario report card comments faster (with examples)

Report card season means writing the same kind of sentence dozens of times, and making each one sound personal. A clear structure makes it much faster.

A structure that works

Ontario report card comments should describe what a student knows and can do, and give a specific next step. A reliable pattern for subject comments:

1. A strength, in the language of the achievement chart, tied to something specific in the course.
2. A next step, phrased as a concrete action the student will take.
3. Optionally, a way families can help at home.

Keep learning skills (responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative and self-regulation) in their own comment, since the report card has a separate section for them.

Match the language to the level

The achievement chart uses consistent qualifiers, so your comment should too:

• Knowledge and Understanding: limited (Level 1), some (Level 2), considerable (Level 3), thorough (Level 4) understanding.
• Thinking, Communication and Application: limited, some, considerable, or a high degree of effectiveness.

Examples

Level 3, Thinking, history:

In the First World War unit, Jordan uses critical and creative thinking with considerable effectiveness when analysing primary and secondary sources. Next steps: Jordan will use evidence from more than one source to support his arguments.

Level 2, Communication, math:

Sam communicates with some effectiveness when showing their steps clearly and in order, and is more successful with a plan or organizer. To continue to improve, Sam will show every step of their solution and explain their reasoning in a sentence.

Learning skills:

Avery consistently fulfils responsibilities and completes and submits work on time. Next steps: Avery will share her ideas more often in group work.

Tips

• Be specific. "Analysing primary sources" says more than "doing well in history".
• Make next steps doable. "Plan each paragraph with a topic sentence" is something a student can act on tomorrow.
• Watch your character limit. Many boards set one; check yours before you write.
• Make it sound like you. Use a builder for the first draft, then edit it into your own words.

Try the free comment builder

The K9solutions report card comment builder does this for you. Choose the subject, the student's strength and a next step, and it writes the comment in achievement chart language, with a separate learning skills comment and a character counter. It runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you type is saved or sent.