Think of a coach or group leader in your child’s life. Now imagine that, during each practice or performance, the only feedback the coach ever gave was, “Good job,” or “Not so good.” Would that help your child improve? Obviously not. A great coach provides timely feedback, during or immediately after a performance. A great coach shares information with the child about what he/she does well and can improve upon. The feedback to the child is clear, specific, timely and meaningful (e.g. “I liked the way you were in ready position. Next time, you need be out in front of the net for the pass.”). Great teaching and great coaching have a lot in common. Like great coaches, great teachers are committed to ensuring your child reaches their fullest potential. One way a teacher does this is by providing feedback daily, both formally and informally through conversations, questions, discussions, observations, student work, performances (and so much more).

Feedback about strengths and next steps are a very important part of assessment. Providing precise information to students so that they understand what they have done well and what they need to do next has a more powerful impact on going forward with learning than just knowing a mark or grade.

This past Friday your child will have received their term 1 report card, an evaluation of your child’s learning at school. The report card provides a formal opportunity to understand your child’s strengths and next steps. Please take some time to read both the grades/marks and the comments in your child’s report card. Discuss the feedback shared by the teacher in the comments section of the report card. If you would like to understand even more about your child’s progress at school I encourage you to contact your child’s teacher to set up an interview.