Prepare Before School Open House

In the next couple of weeks, most public schools will play host to parents in a classic autumn ritual: open house.

Open houses give parents the chance to sit in the rooms where their children spend about 900 hours a year. It’s also an opportunity to meet teachers, who in some cases spend more time with a child each day than the parents do.

I have found that most parents who attend open house are eager to establish a rapport with teachers and explore the campus but are often unsure how to do it.

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

Here’s a simple plan of action for making the most of the time that is available.

First, ask for a syllabus. This lists, in order, topics and materials covered in class. That will help you know what your child is learning, and when.

Ask for a copy of the grading policy to find out about assignments, exams, extra credit opportunities and the teacher’s grading philosophy.

The grading policy should mention how often homework is assigned in an average week; if not, ask the teacher. That way, your child can’t come home without books day after day, claiming that “nothing was assigned.”

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

I have mixed feelings about the value of standardized tests, but many parents regard them as important. Ask the teacher if such tests will be given this year, and how you can find out your child’s scores.

Once you’ve learned the basic requirements of the class, ask the teacher about enrichment activities. Because teachers generally pursue their teaching subjects as hobbies too, they can tell you of places to go, things to do, and videotapes and magazines that will make your child’s learning more enjoyable and more rooted in reality.

Asking the teacher with whom your child associates in class is also important. More times than not, a good child goes bad by hanging out with the wrong crowd. These are the friends your child will probably never mention to you, but the teacher may be able to tip you off before it’s too late.

You may want more time or privacy with a teacher than is possible at a busy open house. That isn’t a problem if you arrive prepared: Bring a note for each teacher that lists your home and work phone numbers and the best time to reach you. List specific questions or concerns you’d like to discuss, and include the student’s last name if it’s different from yours.

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 have the space or funding to spruce up their classrooms this way. (I, for example, have giant walls but cheap paint that resists staples and adhesives.)

Of course there’s more to a school than classrooms, so tour as many of its other facilities as possible.

Start with the office; introduce yourself to the principal and to your child’s counselor. If you need to contact them later, it’s nice to be able to remind them that you’ve already met.

Inspect the safety of the playground, gym and bathrooms, and call a representative of the PTA with any concerns.

If the school has a newspaper (most high schools do), skimming it will tell you a lot about the school’s inner workings and educational philosophy.

By taking advantage of the school’s open house, you can gain a fairly thorough and unobstructed look into your child’s academic world.

If your work schedule has no room for this semester’s open house, you have the legal right to visit your child’s campus on any school day.

For a good campus tour and an appointment with a teacher, it’s best to call the school before visiting.