Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences: What is the Difference

Every year, throughout the country schools open their doors and invite parents to attend open house and parent-teacher conferences. Many parents often make the mistake of thinking that these terms are interchangeable, but they are not. These are two very distinctive meetings that are held for very different reasons.

Open House is usually held once a year, typically a month to a month and a half after the first day of school. Many times parents will assume that this is when they will get a chance to talk one on one to their child's teacher, but it is not. Open house is set up to give parents an overview of the school. Students usually complete some type of project prior to open house and these will be on display. Parents will meet the teachers and staff. A copy of the school rules and expectations is typically given at this time. Teachers tell about the daily schedule. Extracurricular activities are highlighted and membership in the parent teacher association or organization (PTA/PTO) is solicited. A common trend among schools, at least in my hometown, is to hold open house the day before the first report cards are given. Parents who attend open house are allowed to pick up their child's report card that night. However, this should not be interpreted to mean that your child's performance should be discussed at this time. Appointments may be made to come back at a later time to confer with your child's teacher in more detail.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are typically held twice a year, once per semester. The first conference is commonly held after the first report card period. By this time, the teacher should be able to give you specifics about your child. If the conference does occur after you have gotten your child's report card, you are able to refer to it in the meeting. The teacher should have graded papers to show. You will be able to see and discuss what areas your child is doing well in and what areas need work. If your child is struggling and needs extra help, the teacher should provide you with a plan. You should leave knowing what type of resources and materials the teacher will be using with your child. You should also have an idea of what you as the parent can do to help your child at home.

Though both open house and parent-teacher conferences both involve meeting with you r child's teacher, you can see that they are very different types of meetings. So, the next time your child comes home with a letter inviting you to school, you will know what to expect. Also, realize that while schools do schedule open houses and parent-teacher conferences in order to keep you informed, you may contact your child's teacher at any time. You don't have to wait until then to have a meeting. If you would like to meet with your child's teacher, just call.