Character Reports

     I just used this Character Report Card with my sophomores for the first time today, and it went fairly well.  The report card is adapted from one used at KIPP Academy.  I had students fill it out on their own for homework, and then come in for 5 minute discussions with me.  In the discussions, I asked them two questions:

1)  On which 2 behaviors would they most like to demonstrate improvement?

2)  Which 1 behavior that they consistently demonstrate are they most proud?

     I would at some point like to fill a full report card out for every kid, but since this is new, and it is new to them to be "evaluated" on some of these traits, I thought it best to start slowly.  Some kids were a little tentative, but most were pretty thoughtful about the process.  Some conversations stuck specifically to behaviors in class, and others ranged into other classes or into their non-academic lives. The plan is to do it again in a few months, asking the same 2 questions (but requiring different answers) and adding a third that is tailored to their original answer about where they would most like to show improvement.  The other change I will make will be to schedule 10 minute meetings instead of 5, as most of the conversations were pretty good, but got cut short by time.  

     I had my advisees fill out a similar checklist, and hope to go through a more in depth process with them.

Overall, a good use of time I thought.  If you'd like a .pdf of the document just let me know, and I can send it to you. A. Sykes


World History/Western Civ (Sykes) 2012-2013

Character / Class Approach Checklist

Below are 7 character traits and 20 behaviors that tend to reflect good character. They have been adapted from the KIPP Character Report Card.

                                            Rarely (1) Sometimes (2) Often (3)
Zest

1. Actively participates       1 2 3
2. Shows enthusiasm          1 2 3

Grit

3. Finishes whatever he or she begins       1 2 3
4. Tries very hard even after experiencing failure       1 2 3
5. Accepts criticism and feedback with positive attitude       1 2 3

Self Control – School Work

6. Comes to class prepared       1 2 3
7. Pays attention and resists distractions      1 2 3
8. Remembers and follows directions       1 2 3
9. Gets to work right away rather than procrastinating       1 2 3

Self Control – Interpersonal

10. Allows others to speak without interruption       1 2 3
11. Is polite to adults and peers       1 2 3

Optimism

12. Gets over frustrations and setbacks quickly       1 2 3
13. Believes that effort will improve his or her results        1 2 3

Collaboration

14. Makes comments that address others’ ideas       1 2 3
15. Is able to find solutions during conflicts with others       1 2 3
16. Knows when and how to include others        1 2 3

Curiosity

17. Is eager to explore new things       1 2 3
18. Asks and answers questions to deepen understanding      1 2 3
19. Actively listens to others       1 2 3

Gratitude

20. Recognizes and shows appreciation for others       1 2 3