She returns to the reports she has completed and starts writing brief comments to support her decisions. After completing lengthy checklists, writing specific comments, and a goal for each child, Erin is exhausted. A day after the reports have gone home she receives a phone call from a parent who explains that her daughter was able to do all of the statements on the report card before she even entered the class. She goes on to say that she and her husband are concerned that their child is not being challenged. Erin knows there must be a better way.
Reports can also create anxiety because writing is hard work.
As well, there are worries around accountability. And some parents don't understand the reports. The five goals of the Primary Program were once the frame for writing. As a result of the confusion, some educators are looking for a simple solution to a multifaceted, complex problem. Some districts, teachers, and administrators have decided to use checklists for formal reports.