Daily Report Card

The Center for Intervention Research in Schools (CIRS) has expanded our support services via The Daily Report Card – Online (DRC.O) website. The website provides resources for teachers interested in developing a Daily Report Cart (DRC), and it includes training and implementation supports that are intended to mirror the role of one of our consultants.

What Is a Daily Report Card Intervention?

A Daily Report Card Intervention (DRC) is a flexible behavior contract between teachers, students and caregivers designed to improve academic and behavioral functioning. The teacher and student identify specific behaviors (e.g., staying seated, completing work) to target and set specific goals for daily performance.

The teacher reviews the DRC with the student at the beginning and end of the day and provides feedback to the student throughout the day. The daily report card is sent home to the caregivers every day and caregivers are encouraged to praise the child for any success, sign the card and return it to the teacher.

Caregivers are encouraged to use the DRC as a way to communicate with the teacher as needed. Target behaviors can be modified over time as skills are mastered.

In grades K – 5, the DRC results in moderate-to-large reductions in disruptive behaviors and small improvements in classwork completion and accuracy.

Recommended Steps for a Successful Daily Report Card

The DRC should be consistently implemented for at least one month before expecting maximal gains. When possible, give the child feedback privately and discreetly rather than in public.

At the start of the day or class period, remind the child of their target behaviors and goals.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Remember Michael, if you can respect your peers today with three or fewer instances of teasing, you can meet your goal."
At the start of the day or class period, remind the child of any rewards earned the day before and the rewards they are working towards today.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Michael, I remember you earned two yeses yesterday and earned computer time ... that's great. What are you working towards today?"
At the start of any activity that is particularly relevant to a child's DRC target, remind the child of the target.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Remember Michael, if you complete two or more of our math worksheets today, you'll be on target to earn a yes."
When the child exhibits a negative target behavior, label the behavior and connect it to the DRC.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Michael, you just spoke without raising your hand. That's one interruption on your report card."
When the child exhibits a negative target behavior, track that behavior using whatever format you prefer.
- How to Say It/Do It: Track the behavior on the DRC, on a post-it note, teacher's clipboard, the chalkboard or the child's desk.
When the child exhibits a negative target behavior and is getting close to earning a no, provide specific feedback.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Michael, you just spoke without raising your hand. If you do that once more, you'll earn a no today. Try to work really hard to keep your yes."
Praise the child when he/she exhibits a positive behavior that is incompatible with negative target behavior.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Michael, great job raising your hand. What would you like to say?"
At the end of the day, give the child the DRC and briefly review their successes.
- How to Say It/Do It: "Michael, you earned two out of three yeses today. Good job with raising your hand and getting your math work done today. Tomorrow, let's work on keeping your hands to yourself so you can earn all three yeses."
Allow the child to select a reward based on the number of goals that were met.
- How to Say It/Do It: "You met two out of three goals today, which means you can select from the first two sections. What reward would you like to select for two yeses?"
Send the DRC home with the child for the caregivers to review.
- How to Say It/Do It: After you write down the child's reward and any comments you have for the parents, sign the DRC and put it somewhere that the caregivers will be able to find it.

To help you implement these steps, you can also download and print the Daily Report Card resource sheet [PDF].

Download the Resource Sheet

Additional Resources:

Florida International University Fact Sheets

Tips for Tracking in the Daily Report Card Online

Some teachers have reported that tracking in the Daily Report Card Online (DRC.) can be intimidating initially. Tracking and data feedback dictates success in using a DRC.

Here are some tips for tracking shared by teachers:

Set a reminder on your phone. Setting an alarm on your mobile device to remind you of specific times throughout the day can be helpful as you track target behaviors.
Visibility is key. Create a laminated version of the DRC and put it in a place that's visible to both the teacher and the student.
Use the app on your phone. Bookmarking the URL on your phone's home screen is a fast and friendly way to track quickly.
Get specific about targets. Teachers find it helpful to be very specific in explaining what behaviors get a tally, what parts of the day will be tallied and how many reminders will be offered before a tally counts.
Involve the student. Students are often excited about their progress. Ask them to remind you at intervals to see their tally or ask them to keep tally for you.

If you found these tips helpful, you can download and print the Daily Report Card Tracking Tips [PDF].

Download the Tip Sheet