fbpx

The Wall Street Journal asks: “Why do schools send so many emails?”

Group 2247

Written by Heather Dooley

In this weekend’s Wall Street Journal, family and technology columnist Julie Jargon asks: “Why do schools send so many emails?” 

Her response (and ours) is that they don’t need to. They just need to communicate (and listen) in the right ways.

Read the full article here on the research that backs up why engaged families matter and names TalkingPoints as the best overall app

Jargon points out the sheer volume of communications to families from different places and the obstacle to get staff and families alike to use a platform. We’d add how schools can turn communications into real, meaningful engagement for families, teachers, and students:

Move from logistics to learning

Too often, school communication is about a missing field trip form or an upcoming bake sale. Those matter, but real engagement is about student learning and wellbeing. School communications should focus on student learning and wellbeing, and how families and teachers together can meet student learning goals. 

Form relationships

Another common problem is that “family engagement” is seen as one-way communications: schools telling families information. But relationships — between families and educators — must be focused on two-way communications so families and educators can work together to support student learning.

Remove systemic barriers

Jargon points out many of the benefits to a platform like TalkingPoints, like having information in one place. But it’s not just about ease (though that it’s important!). It’s also about making a platform like TalkingPoints work for any family, regardless of circumstance. That’s why we invest in breaking down common barriers, like language access, literacy levels, socioeconomic barriers, and knowledge of the educational system.

Are you an administrator?
Request a quote

Are you a teacher?
Sign up for free Download the teacher app Download the teacher app

Would you like more info?
Contact us

Recent posts

using ai and technology to support multilingual students blog header

Using AI and technology to support multilingual students

Family engagement is one of the most powerful levers for improving student success. Yet, many schools struggle to build effective family-school partnerships, especially with multilingual families who face systemic barriers […]

moving the needle on attendance what's working now blog header

Moving the needle on attendance: What’s working now

Chronic absenteeism is one of the biggest challenges schools continue to grapple with—and while there’s some progress, it’s not moving fast enough. That’s why TalkingPoints recently teamed up with Attendance […]

start family engagement in the summer blog header

The secret to a great school year? Start family engagement this summer

Written by Kate Pechacek Summer isn’t just for sunshine and ice cream trucks—it’s the perfect time to supercharge your family engagement efforts and lay the groundwork for a successful school […]