Rethinking Report Cards: Are We Missing the Point?

Arieh Raz, a teacher for children with attention and focus challenges, decided to share a heartfelt post about report card day that resonated with many readers. In his post, Raz describes the 'unbearable lightness' we often attach to 'grades,' forgetting for a moment that behind the numbers and evaluations, there's a child with a soul.

This child might not always meet expectations, but there's an important 'but' here, especially when talking about a child with attention issues – at least they try.

"What does my child's report card say about them? About me?" Raz begins his post with these words, taking us back to the days when we stood in those children's shoes. "Remember those days? For everyone, it's an emotionally charged day. Some feel good about it, while others feel disappointed. Yet again, I didn't succeed, yet again I disappointed. We know that children with attention and learning difficulties put a lot more energy into formal studies. It's only midyear, and we sometimes already feel out of breath, strength, or patience. Nonetheless, we want to ask you: remember that the report card isn't the child. Just as behavior you find unacceptable doesn't make them a bad kid – the report card doesn't make them a failure.

"Sit with your child and look at the progress they've made this year. Encourage them for their accomplishments, their path, and their effort. Help them to see the unique qualities they possess that are evident in various areas. This will empower and motivate them for the next semester – and most importantly: love them regardless of the report card. Accept them and yourself. Remember that the report card doesn't determine who they are as a person. What if each of us is just fine as we are? What would it take to see the child without society's expectations? What would it take to recognize the gift they are – to themselves, to us, and to the world? What would it take to be grateful for their choices and to learn together? What if there is no failure or success, only a journey we're all on together?

"What if we could stop judging ourselves, our kids, and just... be? It's fascinating to imagine the kind of world we'd create if we allowed ourselves to just be... to live in the moment... to create and breathe our essence..."

He argues that only this approach will allow us to see the true fruits of our labor. And now comes the pivotal question: "What are you more interested in – the fruits or the grades?!"