I got DS's report yesterday and yes he is doing great, but I wasn't impressed overall with the way that was reported to us kwim? Attached to the newsletter was a survey that we can fill out that asks us if we liked the reports and if there were any areas for improvment.

The questions were
  • Did you find the reports easy to understand? yes/no - answered yes
  • Did you gain a clear understanding of the level to which your child is achieving? yes/no - answered no.
In the space provided we could list what we felt needed improving, but I ran out so I did this up;

Areas that could be improved

Overall I liked the layout of the report and they are easy to understand, but it doesn’t give us a clear understanding of his performance. We felt that most of the comments were too scripted, like it was a general response to give for that grading and only the names changed. An example of this that we thought was too ‘textbook’ was;

XXX has a sound knowledge and understanding of spelling using the strategies of the consonants in the THRASS program, knowledge of sight words and letter-sound correspondence. He has practiced using basic grammar in published versions of writing. XXX has used correct letter formation by practicing handwriting using the New South Wales Foundation Style and THRASS. He has developed skills in writing recounts, procedures, and narratives about a variety of topics. Lindsay has interacted positively with other class members whilst giving news. He has used SMARTBORAD technology to enhance his learning of English. Keep up the great effort XXX.

I just think that the way that is worded is too clinical and may not give parents a clear understanding of exactly how their child is doing. We understood the concept, but there may be parents who don’t. Also we realise that the three-way interviews are important and that any questions we have about his performance will be discussed then, but I would like to see that in his report as this is something that we share with our family and they wouldn’t understand that he is doing well based on the wording of the report.

There is also no idea of exactly what areas of each subject he may be doing better in than others – like he may excel in one subject area but may need improvement in another area, for example he may be outstanding in talking and listening, but need improvement with his writing.

This may be more detail than you intended for the survey answers, but I feel strongly about it as the reports we get as parents are the only documented proof (for lack of a better word) we have of their efforts at school. I’m sure that you would appreciate our honesty in this matter.


And I was just wondering if you thought it is a bit overkill or harsh and should I cut it back a bit LOL. I'm thinking they didn't want this much detail but I think it is important to be honest.