Summary reports are a way to replace report cards and show parents and administrators how students are progressing. The purpose of summary reports is to truly compile and break down both the portfolio and the checklists. Summary reports provide parents with an easily understandable version of what they are observing in their child's work sampling file. These reports are carried out at least three times a year. Reports typically include a description and rating scales. These reports are also a way for teachers to examine themselves and see the progress their students have made, it also teaches them to observe children more closely and that observations are the biggest and most important part of sampling work.