Teachers' Comments on Students' Progress Report: 100+ Examples
100+ free, copy-paste progress report comments organized by academic progress, effort, behavior, subject, and goal-setting. Save hours writing mid-term reports with teacher-written examples you can personalize in seconds.
Progress Report Comments
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What Are Progress Report Comments?
Progress report comments are written evaluations that teachers provide during the school term to update parents and students on current academic standing, effort, behavior, and social-emotional growth. They are the most important communication tool for keeping families informed before final grades are assigned.
Unlike report card comments, which summarize an entire grading period at the end, progress report comments are interim. They are sent mid-term-typically every 4 to 6 weeks-and focus on trajectory rather than final outcomes. The goal is to flag concerns early, celebrate improvements, set actionable goals, and invite parent partnership while there is still time to make a difference.
Think of a progress report as a coaching conversation: “Here is where your child stands right now, here is what is going well, here is what we need to work on together, and here is how to get there.” This forward-looking approach makes progress report comments one of the most impactful forms of teacher-parent communication.
What's in This Guide
Effort & Work Habits Comments
Comments that address time management, organization, persistence, and daily work habits on progress reports.
Effort & Work Habits
Comments addressing student effort, time management, organization, and daily work habits.
[Student] consistently puts forth strong effort in all subjects and takes pride in producing quality work.
[Student] has shown improved work habits this period, including better organization of materials and more consistent homework completion.
[Student] demonstrates excellent time management skills and uses class time productively without needing redirection.
[Student] is a diligent worker who carefully follows directions and checks work before submitting.
[Student] shows initiative by beginning tasks promptly and seeking clarification when unsure, rather than waiting passively.
[Student] is developing stronger organizational habits and is learning to use a planner to track assignments and deadlines effectively.
[Student] would benefit from using class time more efficiently. We are working on strategies to stay focused during independent work.
[Student] frequently rushes through assignments, resulting in careless errors. Encouraging them to slow down and review work would be helpful.
[Student] has difficulty completing tasks within the allotted time. Breaking assignments into smaller steps may help build stamina.
[Student] is encouraged to come to class more consistently prepared with required materials and completed homework.
[Student] approaches challenging tasks with persistence and rarely gives up, even when the work is difficult.
[Student] has improved their ability to work independently this term, needing fewer reminders to stay on task.
[Student] demonstrates a strong work ethic and often goes above minimum requirements on assignments.
[Student] is learning to balance speed and accuracy. With continued self-monitoring, their work quality will improve.
[Student] would benefit from establishing a consistent homework routine at home to support the habits we are building in class.
Behavior & Participation Comments
Comments for classroom conduct, engagement in discussions, and contribution to the learning community.
Behavior & Participation
Comments on classroom conduct, engagement in lessons, and participation in group activities.
[Student] is a positive presence in the classroom, consistently following expectations and contributing to a respectful learning environment.
[Student] participates actively in class discussions, offering thoughtful responses that show genuine engagement with the material.
[Student] demonstrates excellent listening skills and waits patiently for their turn to speak during group conversations.
[Student] has made great improvement in self-regulation this term and responds positively to redirection when needed.
[Student] is respectful to peers and adults at all times and models courteous behavior for classmates.
[Student] is encouraged to participate more frequently in whole-class discussions. They have valuable ideas to share and their voice matters.
[Student] sometimes has difficulty following classroom routines without reminders. We are working together on building consistency.
[Student] occasionally engages in off-task conversations during instruction. Redirecting focus to the lesson will help maximize learning time.
[Student] has been working on raising their hand before speaking and is showing steady improvement in this area.
[Student] is a natural leader in group settings and helps keep peers on task during collaborative work.
[Student] demonstrates positive behavior choices during transitions and unstructured time, showing growing maturity.
[Student] benefits from preferential seating to minimize distractions and has responded well to this support.
[Student] contributes positively to our classroom community through helpfulness, kindness, and a cooperative spirit.
[Student] is developing strategies for managing frustration during difficult tasks, and I am seeing real progress.
Social-Emotional Growth Comments
Comments addressing interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, resilience, and character development.
Subject-Specific Progress Comments
Mid-term progress comments tailored to individual academic subjects. Each section includes both positive feedback and areas for growth.
Need More Subject-Specific Comments?
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Math Progress
Mid-term progress comments for mathematics performance and growth.
[Student] is making solid progress in math this term and demonstrates growing fluency with [specific skill, e.g., multiplication facts].
[Student] applies problem-solving strategies effectively and can explain their mathematical thinking clearly to peers.
[Student] shows strong number sense and is beginning to tackle more complex, multi-step word problems with confidence.
[Student] is developing stronger skills in [specific math topic] and benefits from using visual models and manipulatives.
[Student] would benefit from additional practice with [specific concept] at home. Even 10 minutes of daily practice will make a noticeable difference.
[Student] has improved their accuracy on timed math assessments this period, reflecting dedicated practice.
[Student] struggles with [specific skill] but is receptive to reteaching and shows incremental improvement after each session.
[Student] excels at mathematical reasoning and frequently finds creative approaches to solving problems.
[Student] is encouraged to show all work on math assignments so that their problem-solving process is visible and can be supported.
[Student] is on track in math and would benefit from enrichment activities to deepen understanding of current concepts.
Reading Progress
Mid-term progress comments for reading fluency, comprehension, and literacy skills.
[Student] is reading at [level/grade-level expectation] and demonstrates steady improvement in both fluency and comprehension.
[Student] makes thoughtful connections between texts and personal experiences, deepening their understanding of what they read.
[Student] has expanded their reading stamina this term and can now sustain independent reading for longer periods.
[Student] is developing stronger skills in identifying the main idea and key details in both fiction and nonfiction texts.
[Student] would benefit from reading aloud at home for 15-20 minutes nightly to build fluency and expression.
[Student] demonstrates strong vocabulary acquisition and uses context clues effectively when encountering unfamiliar words.
[Student] is working on making inferences while reading and is learning to support ideas with evidence from the text.
[Student] shows enthusiasm for reading and often recommends books to classmates, fostering a love of literacy in our classroom.
[Student] is below grade-level expectations in reading fluency. Consistent daily reading practice at home is strongly encouraged.
[Student] has made excellent progress in decoding multisyllabic words and applying phonics patterns to new vocabulary.
Writing Progress
Mid-term progress comments for composition, grammar, and written expression.
[Student] is developing a stronger writing voice and their recent pieces show personality, clarity, and improved organization.
[Student] has made progress in structuring paragraphs with clear topic sentences, supporting details, and concluding thoughts.
[Student] demonstrates creativity in their writing and is learning to balance imagination with the conventions of the genre.
[Student] is working on using more varied sentence structures to make their writing more engaging and fluid.
[Student] would benefit from additional practice with editing and revising their drafts before final submission.
[Student] has improved their use of transition words and phrases, which helps their writing flow more naturally.
[Student] needs to focus on basic writing mechanics-capitalization, punctuation, and spelling-to strengthen overall quality.
[Student] shows strong skills in narrative writing and is learning to incorporate dialogue and descriptive language effectively.
[Student] is developing opinion-writing skills and is learning to support claims with relevant reasons and evidence.
[Student] is encouraged to read widely, as exposure to different writing styles will naturally strengthen their own composition skills.
Science Progress
Mid-term progress comments for science inquiry, lab skills, and content understanding.
[Student] demonstrates genuine curiosity in science and asks questions that show deeper engagement with the material.
[Student] is making strong progress in understanding [current science unit] and can explain key concepts in their own words.
[Student] participates actively in lab investigations and follows safety procedures carefully and consistently.
[Student] is developing stronger observation and data-recording skills, which are supporting more accurate conclusions.
[Student] would benefit from reviewing science vocabulary regularly, as content-specific terms are essential for assessment success.
[Student] shows excellent skills in forming hypotheses and designing fair tests during inquiry-based activities.
[Student] connects classroom science learning to real-world situations, demonstrating meaningful understanding of the content.
[Student] is encouraged to complete science journal entries with greater detail, including labeled diagrams and written reflections.
[Student] has shown improvement in analyzing data and identifying patterns during our most recent investigations.
[Student] struggles with retaining science vocabulary but responds well to visual aids and hands-on reinforcement activities.
Goal-Setting Comments
Progress reports are the perfect place to set clear, actionable goals. These comments establish expectations for the remainder of the term.
Goal-Setting Comments
Comments that establish clear, actionable goals for the remainder of the term.
[Student]'s goal for the next marking period is to improve reading fluency by practicing aloud at home for 15 minutes daily.
Going forward, [Student] will focus on completing all homework assignments on time and using their planner to track due dates.
[Student] and I have set a goal to improve their math fact fluency by the end of the term through daily timed practice.
For the remainder of this term, [Student] is working toward participating in class discussions at least once per lesson.
[Student]'s personal goal is to improve the quality of their written work by always completing a revision checklist before submitting.
Our shared goal for [Student] is to build reading comprehension strategies so they can independently answer inferential questions by term's end.
[Student] is working toward managing frustration more effectively by using the self-regulation strategies we have practiced together.
By the end of this period, [Student] aims to raise their [subject] grade by consistently completing practice problems and seeking help when stuck.
[Student] has set a goal to read two additional independent books this term to expand vocabulary and comprehension skills.
[Student]'s next step is to develop stronger organizational skills by keeping their binder and desk materials in order each day.
Moving forward, [Student] will focus on showing all work in math to help identify errors and demonstrate their problem-solving process.
[Student] is working toward building confidence in writing by drafting without self-editing and revising in a separate step.
Comments for Parent Conferences
Comments designed to set the stage for productive parent-teacher conferences and invite collaborative problem-solving.
Comments for Parent Conferences
Comments designed to prepare parents for upcoming conferences and invite collaboration.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss [Student]'s progress in [subject] at our upcoming conference. Together, we can create a plan for continued improvement.
[Student] has made progress this term, and I would like to share specific examples and discuss strategies we can reinforce at home during our conference.
I look forward to meeting with you to celebrate [Student]'s strengths and discuss how we can work together to address [specific area].
At our conference, I would like to discuss [Student]'s reading development and share some strategies that have been effective in the classroom.
[Student] is a valued member of our class. I would like to talk about how we can challenge them further and support their continued growth.
I would appreciate the chance to discuss [Student]'s social-emotional development with you. There are some positive patterns I would love to share.
Please come prepared to share any observations from home that might help us better support [Student]'s learning in the classroom.
During our conference, I plan to review [Student]'s assessment data and discuss their progress toward grade-level benchmarks in [subject].
I have noticed some changes in [Student]'s engagement recently and would appreciate your partnership in understanding and addressing this.
[Student] would benefit from a collaborative home-school plan for [specific area]. I look forward to developing this together at our conference.
I want to highlight the wonderful progress [Student] has made in [area] and discuss how we can maintain this positive momentum together.
Our conference will be a great opportunity to review [Student]'s portfolio and set goals for the remainder of the school year.
Progress Report vs Report Card: Key Differences
Understanding the distinction helps you write the right type of comment at the right time.
| Feature | Progress Report | Report Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Interim check-in to guide improvement | Final summative evaluation of the term |
| Timing | Mid-term (every 4-6 weeks) | End of grading period or semester |
| Tone | Forward-looking, action-oriented | Reflective, evaluative |
| Length | 2-4 sentences (40-100 words) | 3-5 sentences (50-150 words) |
| Focus | Current trajectory and next steps | Cumulative achievement and growth |
| Grades Included | Often informal or standards-based | Official letter or number grades |
| Goal-Setting | Central-sets goals for remaining term | May set goals for the next term |
| Parent Response | Often invites immediate action or conference | Informs and summarizes |
How to Write Effective Progress Report Comments
Seven research-backed principles that make teachers' comments on students' progress reports more impactful for families and more motivating for students.
Lead with a Specific Observation
Start with a concrete example from the student's recent work rather than a general statement. 'Correctly solved 18 of 20 fraction problems on Friday's assessment' is stronger than 'doing well in math.'
Keep It Forward-Looking
Progress reports are about where the student is headed, not just where they have been. Include at least one sentence about what the student should work on next and how to get there.
Use Growth-Oriented Language
Replace deficit-focused phrases with possibility language. Instead of 'can't multiply,' write 'is building fluency with multiplication facts and benefits from daily practice.'
Balance Strengths and Growth Areas
Even brief progress comments should acknowledge something the student is doing well before addressing concerns. This helps parents receive the feedback constructively.
Make It Actionable
Include one specific, realistic action the student or family can take. 'Read aloud for 15 minutes nightly' is more helpful than 'practice reading more.'
Avoid Jargon
Write for families, not educators. Replace terms like 'decoding fluency' with 'sounding out unfamiliar words smoothly.' If you must use a technical term, briefly explain it.
Personalize Every Comment
Even when using templates, add one detail that could only apply to that specific student-a project they enjoyed, a breakthrough moment, or a unique strength. Parents notice when comments are generic.
Need Unique, Personalized Progress Report Comments?
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Academic Progress Comments
Click any comment to copy it. Replace [Student] with the student's name and customize bracketed placeholders for your specific situation.
Academic Progress: Improving
Comments for students who are making noticeable academic gains this term.
[Student] has shown measurable improvement in [subject] since the beginning of the term and is steadily closing the gap to grade-level expectations.
[Student] is making encouraging progress in [skill area]. Their recent assessment scores reflect a clear upward trend.
[Student] has demonstrated real growth in reading comprehension this period, moving from needing frequent support to working more independently with grade-level texts.
[Student] is showing improvement in math problem-solving and is beginning to apply strategies taught in class with greater confidence.
[Student] has made significant strides in writing organization. Their most recent essay showed a clear introduction, supporting details, and a logical conclusion.
[Student] is progressing well in [subject]. With continued effort and daily practice, they are on track to meet end-of-term benchmarks.
[Student] has improved their ability to recall and apply key vocabulary, which is supporting stronger comprehension across subjects.
[Student] is building stronger foundational skills in [area] and is gaining confidence as a result of consistent effort.
[Student] has made notable gains in [specific skill] this marking period and should be proud of their hard work.
[Student] is making steady progress toward their individual learning goals and responds well to targeted feedback.
Academic Progress: On Track
Comments for students who are meeting grade-level expectations consistently.
[Student] is performing at grade level across all core subjects and consistently meets expectations on classwork and assessments.
[Student] continues to demonstrate solid understanding of the material covered this term and applies concepts accurately.
[Student] is meeting all academic benchmarks for this point in the school year and maintains consistent effort.
[Student] demonstrates reliable mastery of new concepts and transitions smoothly between units of study.
[Student] is on track to meet all end-of-term learning goals. Their work is thorough, complete, and submitted on time.
[Student] shows consistent competency in [subject] and approaches new topics with confidence and readiness.
[Student] maintains strong academic standing through daily preparation, active engagement, and thorough completion of assignments.
[Student] is performing well and could be challenged further with enrichment opportunities in [subject area].
[Student] continues to meet expectations and is encouraged to set stretch goals to push their learning even further.
[Student] demonstrates dependable academic performance. Encouraging deeper analysis and critical thinking will help them move to the next level.
Academic Progress: Needs Support
Supportive comments for students who need additional help to meet grade-level standards.
[Student] is currently performing below grade-level expectations in [subject]. We are providing additional support through small-group instruction and targeted practice.
[Student] is working toward mastering [specific skill] and would benefit from daily practice at home to reinforce what we are learning in class.
[Student] finds [specific concept] challenging but shows willingness to try. With continued encouragement and practice, improvement is expected.
[Student] needs additional time and support to solidify foundational skills in [area]. I recommend [specific strategy] at home.
[Student] is struggling with [skill] but has shown a positive attitude toward receiving extra help. Consistent practice will be key to progress.
[Student] would benefit from a structured review routine at home focusing on [specific topic] for 10-15 minutes daily.
[Student] is receiving intervention support in [subject] and has begun to show small but meaningful improvements.
[Student] has difficulty retaining new concepts without repeated practice. Frequent review and hands-on activities may help reinforce learning.
[Student] is encouraged to attend tutoring sessions or seek additional practice opportunities to strengthen skills in [area].
[Student] is not yet meeting grade-level benchmarks in [subject]. I would welcome a parent conference to discuss strategies we can implement together.