Do not write "fluent" unless they are truly fluent. Do not write "struggles" without specifying the struggle. Instead of "Struggles with reading," write "Decodes CVC words but not CVCe (e.g., reads 'hop' for 'hope')."
Writing report card comments for English as a Second Language (ESL) students is one of the most challenging tasks for educators. Unlike native speakers, ESL students progress at varying rates across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A generic "good job" isn't just unhelpful—it’s misleading. sample esl report card comments verified
Explicitly say: "In listening (domain) at the Developing level (WIDA)…" Do not write "fluent" unless they are truly fluent
Save this article. Bookmark the verification checklist. And the next time you sit down to write 20 report cards, remember: a verified comment is a kind comment. It tells the truth, celebrates real progress, and gives a clear path forward. Download our free one-page "ESL Comment Verifier" checklist at [your website link] or share your own verified comment in the comments section below to help other teachers. Unlike native speakers, ESL students progress at varying
