Are Report Cards Obsolete?

Are reports cards in their current form relevant today? This personal reflection asks if report cards are obsolete and suggests something new is needed.

Recently while cleaning, I came across a box filled with artifacts from my school days. In it was my 6th grade report card with the following teacher comments:

“Mary is a very conscientious student. She is very concerned about what others think of her and relies on their opinion. Mary is very afraid to attempt new situations and often looks for a go ahead command from others. She needs to have more self-confidence and independence.

Mary does the minimum amount of sixth grade work. She does not take the initiative to explore deeper into subject matter. She is more interested in her grade than in learning.

Mary gets along well with others. She tries to help everyone to feel they belong. Mary is dependable and carries out given tasks. Her writing has improved greatly. Mary is cooperative.”

What do I remember about 6th grade? Feeling awkward … having too much homework and writing assignments … a demanding teacher … scared about moving to the junior high! I don’t recall my teacher talking with me about areas for improvement that clearly were on her mind given the comments she wrote. Perhaps my mom and dad discussed these with me after they received the report card. Those details are a distant memory.

My 6th grade report card was more of an autopsy of my learning and behavior than what we envision technology can provide for a student today. Learning takes place every day as well as the ups and downs of life.

Imagine harnessing all of the information that is being captured about a student in our school and community organizations, such as learning, behavior, attendance, interests, activities, aspirations, strengths, just to name a few. Bringing all of this together in a tool that is not siloed but real time and actionable can make report cards obsolete and provide a circle of care around each student.

Every student deserves to thrive and be supported in their journey of life and learning.

What do you think? Are report cards obsolete?