Getting the most from back-to-school nights
Forms to fill out and homework to do and meetings to schedule. Yup, school has resumed. Soon you'll be headed to back-to-school night, and the website Great Schools has some tips for getting the most out of it, via Denis Cruz, 2006 California Teacher of the Year.
Cruz suggests asking:
- What is the policy on late work and make-up work? How does it affect the student's grade?
- How do absences affect the grade?
- How do I teach my son or daughter to gain independence in middle school?
- How can I check on my son's or daughter's progress in school? Do you give weekly progress reports?
- How do I know what the homework is? Is there an online homework calendar?
- Should I call or e-mail the teacher?
- Are there field trips?
- How can I check on detentions or behavior issues?
- Is there anything you'd like me to do? May I volunteer in the classroom?
Before you go, find out if it's OK to bring your children. Some schools prefer to reserve the evening for adults only.
-- Mary MacVean
