From Grades to Goals: How Report Cards Shape Future Career Success

Report cards are more than just grades—they’re a roadmap to future success. Throughout the school year, students receive various evaluations that provide insight into their academic progress. In elementary school, these range from progress reports to first and final report cards, while high school students typically receive mid-term and final report cards for each credit course. While the timing may vary slightly depending on the school and region across Canada, one thing remains the same: report cards are valuable tools for shaping academic and career pathways. While deciphering report cards is a topic that Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring service explores extensively, we’re taking it one step further—connecting them to career education. Read on to learn more!

Report cards, traditionally viewed as tools to assess grades and academic performance, serve a primary purpose of tracking student progress. However, they can offer much more than just a snapshot of academic standing. Embedded within them are valuable insights and feedback that can foster meaningful conversations with teachers, students, tutors, and other stakeholders invested in your child’s success. These discussions can help guide future planning for both post-secondary programs and career opportunities. Career education for students from kindergarten to grade 12 is becoming a key focus in the education system, designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to make successful transitions and achieve positive learning and career outcomes.

By tapping into the valuable insights they provide, families can foster meaningful conversations, plan ahead, and support their child’s long-term academic and career growth and success. At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring service includes a team of professional certified teachers, guidance counsellors, and school administrators, such as vice-principals and principals. With over 40 years of experience supporting students on their academic journeys, we bring a wealth of expertise to this topic. 

In this blog, our education team shares 6 expert tips on how to use report cards as more than just a grading tool.

Principal Nancy’s Tip: Focus on Strengths and Interests, Not Just Grades

When reviewing report cards, it’s important for parents to focus on their child’s strengths and interests in addition to the grades. Principal Nancy, who has extensive experience with elementary students from kindergarten onward, highlights that a single grade should never be the sole measure of success.

Case in Point: Science Challenges

For example, if a student loves science but is struggling with it, encourage them to persist by exploring hands-on experiments at home, visiting science museums, or working with an in-person or online tutor to tackle the homework they are struggling with. These activities help sustain their interest while reinforcing key concepts.

Applying Strengths to English

Similarly, if a student is facing difficulties in a subject like English, help them recognize their strengths—such as creativity or storytelling—and find ways to apply those strengths. For instance, if a student enjoys creative writing but struggles with essay structure, encourage them to start by discussing their ideas with someone, like a parent or tutor, to clarify their thoughts. This can help them develop a clear thesis and supporting points before they begin writing. By focusing on both strengths and interests, students can build confidence and develop strategies to overcome academic challenges.

Middle School Teacher Jason’s Tip: Look Beyond Grades at Learning Skills and Work Habits

When reviewing report cards, it’s easy to focus on the grades, but as Jason, an elementary and middle school teacher on our team, points out, the learning skills and work habits sections - covering responsibility, independent work, initiative, organization, collaboration and self-regulation - often provide the most valuable insights—especially in the earlier years. These skills, such as organization, are not only critical for academic success but also essential lifelong skills. This is where teachers provide valuable insights into how students engage with learning, which often serves as a stronger predictor of future success.

A Common Challenge: Organization

For example, if you notice that organization is a challenge in elementary school, don’t wait until high school, when a disorganized locker and crumpled papers in a knapsack can become overwhelming. Developing executive functioning skills early can greatly improve a child’s ability to manage increasing workloads and responsibilities as they progress through school.

Consider integrating academic coaching with subject-specific tutoring to reinforce these skills. By working on time management, planning, and organizational strategies alongside core subjects, students build a strong foundation that helps them thrive both academically and in life.

Our President’s Tip: Foster a Growth Mindset to Keep Doors Open

A common concern we hear from parents is that their children often feel incapable to succeed in subjects like math or question the importance of continuing with certain courses. However, many core subjects—especially math and English—are essential building blocks for future careers, including those students may not have considered yet. Joanne Sallay, our President & CEO, emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset, advising parents not to let a child in Grade 3 decide they’re “not good” at math or allow a poor grade to define their future potential. Often, it's not a lack of ability but rather a lack of confidence that holds students back.

Building Confidence in Math

For example, if a student struggles with math concepts, encourage them to approach the subject with determination instead of fear. Extra support through regular practice, a teacher’s guidance, or working with an in-person or online tutor can help them break down complex concepts into manageable steps, leading to greater understanding. By keeping doors open and promoting a growth mindset, students develop the resilience and perseverance needed for long-term success in both academics and life.

Student Success Teacher Megan’s Tip: Helping Students Find the Right Career Path

When it comes to choosing a career, it’s important to recognize a student’s unique strengths and interests rather than focusing solely on traditional ideas of success. Megan, a Student Success Teacher for secondary students, emphasizes that students thrive when they explore career options that align with what they enjoy and excel at. Encouraging them to be realistic about their skills and passions helps them make informed decisions about their future.

Finding the Right Fit

For example, students who are strong in analytical and conceptual thinking might excel in fields like data science or engineering. Those with creative problem-solving skills may find fulfillment in design, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Similarly, hands-on learners may be drawn to careers in trades, healthcare, or other practical professions. Supporting students in identifying paths that match their interests, talents and strengths can lead to greater fulfillment and long-term success.

Exploring Possibilities

One of the most important messages for students and parents is that there are many possible paths to success. Rather than locking into a single plan too early, students should be encouraged to explore various options and experiences. Talking to professionals in different fields, learning about their career journeys, and participating in job shadowing are excellent ways to gain insight. Additionally, joining clubs, teams, or extracurriculars related to their interests helps them build skills and discover new passions. By keeping an open mind and embracing diverse approaches and opportunities, students can make informed decisions and create a future that suits them best.

High School Guidance Counsellor Jen’s Tip: Pathways Are Not Always Linear

Report cards are a valuable tool for identifying a child’s strengths and areas for growth. Jen, a high school guidance counsellor, emphasizes that while learning skills highlight crucial soft skills like collaboration, responsibility, and independence, marks provide insight into subject-specific strengths. These indicators can help guide students toward academic and career pathways that align with their abilities and interests.

Navigating Changes in Post Secondary Learning

For example, if a student enters university with plans to pursue engineering but realizes in their first year that it’s not the right fit, that’s okay. It’s important to remind both students and parents that there are always opportunities to shift degrees, majors, or career plans without losing momentum. Taking time to explore different courses can help students find areas that they are passionate about and most likely to succeed.

Encouraging Exploration

Jen advises parents to encourage their children to take calculated risks and pursue opportunities they might not have previously considered. As she says, "You don’t know what you don’t know." By giving students the freedom to discover new interests and paths, we foster growth, curiosity, and adaptability—developing traits and qualities that are essential for success in today’s ever-changing world.

Our Founder’s Tip: Plan Ahead and Work Backwards

Tutoring is not just a remedial tool—it can also be a proactive strategy for academic success. As our founder, Rhona Sallay, a former secondary school teacher and department head of special education, advises that parents should look ahead to their child’s future goals and work backward.

Building Strong Foundations

Core subjects are like building a house—without a solid foundation in earlier grades, success in advanced courses becomes much harder. By identifying key academic requirements early, parents can help ensure their child receives the necessary support. Whether through extra practice, a teacher’s guidance, or an in-person or online tutor, students can stay on track, strengthen their skills, interests and talents to keep their future opportunities open.

Planning for University Requirements

For example, if a student wants to apply to the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, which requires a minimum average of 87% and at least 80% in core courses like math and English, it’s crucial to start preparing early. Waiting until Grade 12 to address challenges in Advanced Functions or Calculus can make it difficult to meet these requirements if foundational math skills from earlier grades are weak.

Closing Thoughts: Transforming Grades into Goals

In conclusion, you don’t have to wait until a high school course like Ontario’s Grade 10 Career Studies (GLC2O) to begin conversations about career education. Academic pathways are directly connected to future careers, as many professions require specific college or university training. High school courses play a key role in eligibility for these programs, with core subjects like math and English often serving as critical prerequisites.

Starting these discussions early helps students make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. In this blog, we’ve shared expert tips from our educational team to guide you in using report cards as a tool for future planning. By fostering meaningful conversations early, parents can support their child’s academic success and career development.

Canadian families have a unique opportunity to turn report cards into powerful planning tools. By looking beyond grades to the skills, interests, talents and passions they reflect, we can help students navigate their paths to rewarding careers. Whether your child dreams of designing video games, tackling climate change, or leading a business, their academic journey begins with thoughtful discussions and intentional planning.

Photography by Jennifer Allison from JSHUTTER Photography