A daily report card is a short, simple form that records how a child did on a few chosen goals during the school day. It goes home each day, and the family responds with praise or an agreed reward. It is one of the best-studied school-based tools for children with ADHD, and it can help other children too.
What the research says
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Attention Disorders in 2020 looked at group studies of daily behaviour report cards for children with ADHD. It found that the cards were associated with reductions in teacher-rated ADHD symptoms, with a small to moderate effect. The CDC lists behavioural classroom management, which includes the daily report card, among school strategies shown to be effective for ADHD. The effect is helpful, not magical, so use the card alongside other supports. See supporting a child with ADHD in the classroom.
How to set one up
- Choose a few targets. Make each one specific, observable and positive. “Starts work when the instruction is given” is better than “pays attention”.
- Agree on the rating. A simple scale works well, such as Yes, Partly or Not yet for each lesson or part of the day.
- Set the level for success. Begin where the child is now, so that early success is likely. Raise the bar gradually.
- Keep it quick. The teacher marks the card at the end of a lesson or the day, in under a minute.
- Send it home and respond. The parent looks at it with the child, and gives praise or an agreed small reward for meeting the target.
- Review weekly, and adjust the targets and levels as behaviour improves or new problems appear.
An example
Targets: (1) Begins class work when asked. (2) Stays in seat during seat work. (3) Raises a hand before speaking.
Rating for each lesson: Yes, Partly or Not yet.
Goal for this fortnight: most targets rated Yes on most days, agreed with the child.
At home: if the goal is met, the child chooses a quiet activity with a parent.
Tips for success
- Talk to the child first. Explain that the card is there to help, and let them suggest targets.
- Focus on what the child should do, not only on what to stop.
- Keep home responses positive. Do not punish for a low score; look at what would help tomorrow.
- Use the card with other supports, such as clear rules, praise and a good classroom routine.
- Plan to fade it out gradually, for example from every lesson to once a day to a few times a week, as the behaviour becomes a habit.
When a card is not the answer
A report card will not fix a problem whose cause is something else, such as sensory overload, anxiety, a skill the child does not yet have, or work that is too hard or too easy. If scores stay low, look for the reason behind the behaviour, and ask for it to be reviewed in the IEP. See how to follow up after an IEP meeting.
Sources
- The Effectiveness of Daily Behavior Report Cards for Children With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis, Journal of Attention Disorders, 2020.
- CHADD, School Interventions: daily school-home report card.
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD in the Classroom.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.