Click here to access the teacher quick start guide provided by Talking Points.
Why should I use Talking Points?
TalkingPoints allows educators to engage their families quickly and efficiently. Your families are automatically opted in to TalkingPoints. There is no app to download or invitation you need to send out to your families. They simply receive a text message you send via the web or the Talking Points mobile app! Your roster and student contact(s) information is automatically set up for you. Once we go live, you can message your families immediately!
What phone number will parents see?
Each teacher will have an individual phone number that displays when that teacher initiates a message. Parents can save that phone number with that teacher’s name. The school’s phone number will show up when sending out school communication.
Does Talking Points have an App for Teachers to use?
Yes, there is an app users can download to send messages or users can use a web browser. When searching Talking Points, select the App titled Teachers – Talking Points. Once downloaded, sign in with your EVSC google account.
When Using the App, why can’t I see all my students under the “Students” tab?
The app will only load part of your students. However, when you go to send a message, your students will load for you to select.
Can I set Office Hours?
Yes! To set office hours, click on your name at the bottom of the page, then click on Settings. Click on Notifications. From here, you can set how you would like to be notified when a parent responds or sends you a message. You can also set office hours and set up an auto reply.
Can I set notifications for when parents respond or message me?
Yes, you set email notifications on the web under your profile, then settings. (Note: you will ONLY get an email notification if Talking Points is not already open on your computer.)
You can also set up push notifications on the Talking Points Teacher mobile app. To set up push notifications, download the app and click on Profile on the bottom of the screen. Then, click on Notifications and auto-reply.
Is there an App Families can use?
Talking Points does have a mobile app families can download if they feel that is easier for them to navigate. The app will allow families to view all their messages without being charged for the text messages. It also allows text to speech or speech to text, and it allows all communication to be in one place. For instance, if a family has 3 high school students, instead of trying to find all the message threads for all their teachers, they can download the app and have all the messages easily accessible and organized there. Families just need to search Talking Points in their app store and select Families: Talking Points.
Can we tell when a parent/family reads the text?
No, we can only see if the text has been sent. If the family has the Family Talking Points app, you can see if it has been opened there.
How do the Translations Work?
Talking Points translates into 150 different languages using a combination of AI and human translation. Talking Points also has trained the system to use educational words/meanings. For example, if you say seniors in your message, many other translated system will translate that to mean senior citizens, not 12th graders. Since Talking Points is geared toward schools, their system will automatically translate seniors to mean 12th graders.
What students will I be able to see when I log in?
Teachers will be able to see all students in their class lists based on what is in PowerSchool. Other school staff such as nurses, counselors, etc. can build lists or groups in the system or import a spreadsheet of student ID numbers to create custom groups.
What is the difference between Messages & Announcements?
Messages are sent to a specific family or contact. Announcements are sent to an entire class or group.
Can I see my Co-teacher’s messages?
Yes! In a shared class, Co-teachers can view each other’s message history with families. Click here for instructions.
How do I get more information on the new rollouts for 2025, including Quick Kudos, Family Check-ins and the calendar scheduler?