EDUCATION : Parents Can Learn a Lot During Annual School Open Houses

In the next few weeks, thousands of local parents will take part in a classic autumn ritual: open house at their children’s schools.

Open houses give parents the chance to sit in the room where their children spend roughly 900 hours a year in grade school, and 180 hours a year in junior and senior high school. It is also an opportunity to meet the teacher, who in most cases spends more time with a child each day than the parents do.

There are several ways for parents to make the most of the open house at their child’s school. There’s more to it than simply asking, “How’s my kid doing in class?”

Ask the teacher for a list of topics that are covered in class so that you know exactly which novels, historical periods and mathematical or scientific concepts your child is learning. Instead of always asking your child, “What did you do in school today?” you can monitor his or her knowledge on specific subjects.

Ask for a copy of the grading policy to learn the kinds of assignments given, which ones count most heavily toward the final grade and the extra-credit options that are offered.

Also find out how often report cards are given; many parents are surprised to learn that grades are published at many schools every six or eight weeks, not just twice a year.

The grading policy should mention how often homework is assigned in an average week; if not, be sure to ask the teacher. That way you’ll know better if your student constantly comes home without books and says there was nothing assigned.

In addition to finding out the basic requirements of a class, also ask about the extras. Is there, for example, a museum exhibit or television program that would enhance and enliven a topic that your child is now studying in class? Are there related magazines that he or she can read in the school library? If your child is reading novels or plays, is there a videotape available for watching at home?

Unfortunately, teachers usually don’t have enough time to talk at length with parents during the open house because the visitors are herded through too quickly.

But there’s still an easy way to reserve some quality time with your child’s teachers. Bring to the open house a note for each teacher that lists your phone number at home and work, and the best time to reach you. List specific questions or concerns you would like to discuss. Make sure you give the student’s last name if it’s different from yours.

As you give the note to the teacher, ask when you can expect to hear from him or her. Asking “Will I hear from you by Friday?” helps to ensure that you will.

What you see at the open house may tell you as much about your child’s school life as what you hear, so explore the classroom thoroughly.

Wall displays, maps, showcases of student work and a seating arrangement that allows students to interact usually mean that the teacher inspires curiosity and open discussion of ideas. Remember, though, that not all teachers--no matter how inspiring--have wall space, floor space or funding to jazz up their classrooms this way.

Make time to venture beyond the classroom, too. Visit the office to read notices of school activities and meet your child’s counselor, or inspect the safety and versatility of the gym or playground. Getting a school newspaper will also tell you a lot about the school’s inner workings.

Above all, remember that examination of your child’s academic world need not be limited to the open house. It is your right to visit a public school on any school day, and many teachers encourage parents to schedule visits to actual classes.

If your work schedule makes a daytime back-to-school visit impossible, then making the most of an open house is the best alternative.