TIPS TO WRITING POSITIVE PEER REVIEWER FEEDBACK
In most instances, writing positive feedback or strengths of files submitted will not be the area that the
peer reviewer has most difficulty. For example, the peer reviewers are able to simply state that “the file
contained the necessary observation”, “all sections of the files were completed”, or “data presented
throughout file supports the preponderance of evidence that the student is eligible to receive special
education services”. These comments need to be in complete sentences with specific details that
support the overall strengths found throughout the file. Please be sure to use correct grammar,
punctuation and check your spelling. These documents go back to the district and are not retyped. There
does not need to be a dissertation, but the comments should be thoughtful and purposeful so schools
can use the information to guide their future professional development.
When facing the areas of needed improvement, the peer reviewer needs to remember to review unto
others as they would have reviewed from them. The objective is to be a critical friend who is able to
make a statement of improvement in the most positive way, so as not to turn off the receiver of the
information.
Sample suggestions for statements used in areas of needed improvement summary
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While the assessments chosen are aligned to the areas of concern, the analysis and
interpretation of the scores were not fully developed to present the reviewer with a clear
picture of the student.
The assessment process could be improved by giving the necessary subtests to provide a
thorough picture of the student.
The patterns of strengths and weaknesses section had limited development. It could be
enhanced by providing…..
The reviewer was unable to find…..
The eligibility report would be strengthened by……
Sample of traps when writing reviewer comments
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Simple “no” statements like, there is no match to areas of concern as it relates to the core
curriculum. Instead, the reviewer is unable to find any evidence to support that there is an
effective core curriculum.
Data doesn’t seem to ….. leave out the “seem” and replace it with a more specific statement.
Appropriate assessment instructions were given, but….
Writing just bulleted items, like “needs graph, data, and specific medical info.”
ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE…REVIEW UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE
REVIEWED UNTO YOU.