School Closures and the Critical Need for an Easy to use Family and School Communication Tool

At a Glance

Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) is the fifth-largest school district in California, covering a large part of Sacramento County. Its 67 schools serve 62,000 students; 54% qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program. Families in the district speak more than 100 different home languages.

Reaching parents during school shutdowns became one of the highest priorities

  • When the pandemic shutdown began, connecting with all families was imperative. At the time, district-wide communications were available in  English, Spanish, and Vietnamese only, and translator resources were limited.
  • With the need to reach families in more than 100 home languages during a rapidly evolving time, a different approach was needed.
  • Teachers had their hands full supporting distance learning and navigating the logistics presented by the shutdown, so any new solutions had to be easy to use.

The district adopted TalkingPoints for all schools to ensure that no families were left behind and so staff could stay engaged with all families in support of student learning.

TalkingPoints’ Impact on Family Communication

  • EGUSD schools used TalkingPoints as an immediate solution for their translation needs.
  • Teachers share that they’re hearing from families for the first time and that previously unreachable families are showing up for meetings and conferences.
  • Communicating through TalkingPoints has given families more visibility into their child’s education and spurred more  conversations with their child about school.
  • District Leaders heard from support staff such as counselors, EL coordinators, and resource teachers who also wanted to use TalkingPoints.

TalkingPoints Family Engagement Solutions

Easy-to-use, two-way communication with translation in over 100 languages. Teachers can use the web browser or mobile app, while parents can choose text messages or the mobile app. Messages are automatically translated both ways between English and family home language.

TalkingPoints is the only platform investing in the highest-quality translation, contextualized for education, using human translators and machine learning/AI.

Teachers can seamlessly communicate with families to check in on students and share important information about grades or school updates. Additional features like polls and videos with translated captions help teachers connect with families.

In just seven months…

elk grove unified school district data

Teachers appreciate how easy using TalkingPoints has been, particularly during remote learning when they’ve had to adjust to many new technologies. Since using TalkingPoints, teachers find that families are more informed and students are more  engaged in learning – coming to class, turning cameras on, and turning in work.

elk grove unified school district quote

Download PDF

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

 

Download PDF
Download PDF

 

Other partner success stories

Aurora Public Schools is Breaking Barriers and Improving Student Outcomes

At a glance: Aurora Public Schools Located in Colorado’s third-most populated city, Aurora Public Schools’ 58 schools serve more than 38,000 students who hail from 130 countries and speak 160 […]

Pittsburgh Public Schools drives huge increases in family engagement

Pittsburgh Public Schools finds success using TalkingPoints to increase family engagement and improve communications between teachers and families.

Cincinnati Public Schools Uses TalkingPoints To Ensure An Inclusive Learning Environment

Ohio’s fastest-growing, large-city district ensures equitable access for all families In Cincinnati Public Schools, Ohio’s fastest-growing, large-city district, enrollment has grown more than 20 percent since 2012-2013. CPS is Greater […]

Skip to content