A behavior checklist differs from grades on a report card because a grade is a general record of a student's aptitude in a particular subject, whereas a behavior checklist can particularly outline a student's work habits. A basic behavior and work habits checklist (see the Resources section) mainly records the student's ability to complete study materials and homework in a punctual manner. The work habits checklist can keep track of other classroom behaviors as well, such as the student's active interest in her work and her ability to neatly complete and organize class work and other materials.
Behavior checklists should emphasize several facets of a student's behavior. Learning how to socialize is one of public education's most important lessons; a behavior checklist can record a student's basic skills in this area. Highlight both the student's ability to interact with the teacher as well as his peers. Specify areas like a student's ability to handle constructive criticism, participate in class discussion and work together with other classmates in group projects.
To encourage the student's self-awareness of their classroom manners, develop your own behavior contract for the student to sign (see Resources). Prompt the students to suggest a list of appropriate and inappropriate classroom conduct. Explain the rewards and punishments for each behavior. After the students have filled out their contracts, have them sign the paper to indicate their understanding of the classroom rules. If a student repeatedly violates one of these rules, show the student his contract and have him explain why he continues to break the prior agreement about the rules.
Beyond general classroom manners, certain behavior checklists can identify significant developmental, social and emotional problems with students. The Achenbach System for Empirically Based Assessment for school-age children includes a child behavior checklist, which can identify warning signs of the following syndromes: anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant behavior and somatic problems. Visit the ASEBA's website (see Resources) to find instructions on how to order these official forms for your student's behavioral analysis.