PLAIN ENGLISH REPORT CARDS FOR STUDENTS

Queensland state schools students are receiving new ‘plain English’ student reports this week as part of reforms to make it easier for parents to understand how their child is performing.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the new report cards were part of wide-ranging reforms to put parents in the picture about their child’s progress at school.

“This new system will be more straight-forward for students and parents,” Mr Welford said.

“All Queensland schools will provide reports that measure a student’s achievements using a five-point scale, whether it is A–E or another similar scale.

“Many state schools have been working towards the introduction of the new report cards by the end of this year, while the timing of the new reporting scale at non-state schools may vary.

“The new report card will apply to Years 4-10 and detail the areas of learning a student is studying and their results, behaviour and effort.

“It will record student achievements for each learning area against what is expected for that year level, giving parents a better idea of how their child is progressing.

“Schools will provide these ‘plain English’ reports twice a year and offer parent/teacher interviews. The end result will be a more consistent approach to assessment and reporting across our schools, and a clearer picture for parents.”

Mr Welford said the new A-E grading process would not apply to state school students in Years 1-3.

“In these early years, we will provide reports which focus on a child’s development rather than a grading,” he said.

“There will be a different report card format using five ratings — Very High, High, Sound, Developing and Support Required.

“These ratings were developed following advice from consultation with key parent and teacher groups.”

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on