Just because the school year’s wrapping up doesn’t mean our work is done. In fact, this is PRIME TIME for something super important… giving your students the kind of feedback that doesn’t just slap a period at the end of their year—but leaves them feeling seen, motivated, and ready to crush whatever’s next.
Report card comments, one-on-one chats, end-of-year conferences today, we’re digging into how to give constructive feedback that’s honest, uplifting, and rooted in growth. We’ve got research, we’ve got real talk, we’ve got tips—basically, we’ve got your back.
Topics Discussed
Why end of year feedback matters
How to give honest, growth-focused feedback
One on one conferences - why they're worth it
Writing report card comments that actually mean something
Building students up
Practical takeaways
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[00:00:33] Ellie: And I am Ellie, your co-host, a former Diet Coke lover turned coffee lover, and someone who firmly believes that the last month of school can feel longer than all the others combined. Does anyone else know what I mean?
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[00:00:53] Ellie: Hmm.
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[00:01:17] what's next.
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[00:01:38] Brittany: So let's kick things off with a quick reality check. Feedback matters all year but there's something special about this time of year. It's like the finale episode of a great series. Students are reflecting, teachers are reflecting, it's the perfect time to tie it all together with meaningful commentary.
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[00:02:22] Brittany: 23%. That's a solid bump. Think about what that could mean for your students. And here's another kicker. Edutopia reported that when feedback includes honest reflections plus a recognition of growth, students are more likely to set personal learning goals for the next year. So we're not just closing a chapter, we're giving them the pen to start the next one.
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[00:03:12] Okay. Let's get into the how. Tip number one in how we can do this is be honest, but frame it through the lens of growth. Sugar coating is not helpful, and we all know kids can tell when you're insincere.
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[00:03:40] Ellie: Mm. I love that. So instead of just saying, Hey, you did a great job, make it real and specific, like you've developed a much stronger writing voice this semester, especially in the persuasive essays. One thing to focus on next year could be using more evidence to support your points.
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[00:04:27] it'll strengthen your relationship with students.
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[00:04:51] Brittany: Yeah. That's where the building relationships with your kids really comes into play.
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[00:05:21] It would be even better if you start just double checking your data before turning it in.
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[00:05:47] Ellie: When you start with something that is complimentary and giving them an idea of what they did well, then that really helps them hold onto that part as you go into the even better if,
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[00:06:00] Ellie: okay, so let's talk about one-on-ones. And I know what you're thinking. Ellie. I barely have time to eat lunch.
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[00:06:13] Brittany: We get it, but hear us out. These conversations don't have to be long. Even three to five minutes for students can make a massive
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[00:06:38] Ellie: And so it's not like a formal sit down with a PowerPoint presentation. You can just pull a student aside during work time, walk with them on the way to lunch, catch them after class. It's the personal attention that sticks. And where we said three to five minutes, I'm thinking, you know, even 30 seconds, a minute, 15 seconds.
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[00:07:10] Brittany: And if it's meaningful and impactful, that's gonna mean the most thing to them.
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[00:07:29] Brittany: Absolutely. And don't underestimate the power of eye contact and genuinely saying, Hey, I've noticed how much effort you've put in this year. Here's something I think you are ready to level up on.
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[00:08:04] Brittany: All right, so let's move on to report card comments. Let's be real. This is where some of us are tempted to just default to, Johnny was a pleasure to have in class. Sarah was a pleasure to have in class. Timmy was a pleasure to have in class.
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[00:08:39] We have all defaulted to the generic comments, but we can do better. Your comments should add value, not just fill space. And I know it's tough though if you have computerized report cards that only have certain comments to select from. Like sometimes nothing just seems to fit exactly right. And I know there were times that I would just be like, okay, nothing fits,
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[00:09:18] You can kind of think of it like writing a note to the student's future teacher and to their family with these comments. You know, what does the family need to know to support this child's continued growth?
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[00:09:56] Ellie: Mm-hmm. This shows that you know the student, you've been paying attention to them, and you believe in their continued development. Parents love that level of detail. I know I certainly would love that as a parent and students do too, even if they don't actually say it out loud.
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[00:10:22] Brittany: Yes. Kids are smart. They appreciate when adults are real with them. But you can be real without having to be harsh. It's the difference between saying you are bad at time management versus, I've noticed time management has been a challenge. I believe with some planning strategies or prioritization work, you can really grow in that area.
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[00:11:01] Brittany: Yes. Alright, toolbox time. Let's recap some practical tools you can use starting today.
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[00:11:19] Brittany: Tool two, carve out five minute one-on-one chats, even if it's during transition times, independent work, or even recess duty.
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[00:11:40] Brittany: And tool 4. Keep it honest, but hopeful. Be frank. Be real. But always leave the student knowing you believe in their future success.
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[00:12:01] Brittany: Your feedback can be the fuel that propels your students into summer and beyond, so let's make it thoughtful, intentional, and packed with belief in their potential.
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[00:12:20] Brittany: Yes, you did. So see you next time on the Teaching Toolbox, same time, same place, always packed with tools to make your teaching life easier and better. Goodbye everyone.
