The TalkingPoints mission is to drive student success by using accessible technology to unlock the potential of family engagement in children’s education. Identify how to get started as a school admin using the guide below.
Screenshots below may look slightly different as TalkingPoints is constantly evolving! Don't worry, we periodically make sure our guides are up to date so that you have the latest how-to's.
Sign In
TalkingPoints allows you to sign in different ways using our web app. The first way you log in might be dependent upon the type of account your school or district has created (Clever, ClassLink, or .csv), see below for more details.
Clever Accounts
If your school or district created their account using Clever, you will first need to sign in through Clever single sign-on (SSO) and then create a password for TalkingPoints.
ClassLink Accounts
If your school or district created their account using ClassLink, you can sign in through their single sign-on (SSO).
TalkingPoints Connector Accounts
If your school or district uses TalkingPoints Connector, this will depend on the email service your district uses.
.csv Accounts
If your school or district created their account using a .csv file, you will need to use the invite sent to your email address from your admin and sign in directly to TalkingPoints or with Google single sign-on (SSO).
Ensure All Staff Have Accounts
For any staff members who aren't synced via Clever, ClassLink, or TalkingPoints Connector, as well as any staff members that need an account after the initial .csv upload, creating an account for them is very simple!
Step 1: Click 'Staff & Roles.'
Step 2: Select 'Add Staff.'
Step 3: Enter the first name, last name, email address, and set the permission level for the staff member & click 'Invite.'
Once the account has been created, the staff member will be able to log in through the main login page.
Send Your First Message
Your staff, classes, students, and contacts will already be in your account!
The next step is to compose an introductory message to send to your families. Introduce yourself and let families know that you will be using TalkingPoints to communicate with them.
Step 1: Click 'Send a Message.'
Step 2: Select your recipients & compose a message by
1) typing in the text box or 2) selecting a template. You can also filter for specific groups.
Step 3: Click 'Send.' To send a message at a different time, select 'Schedule' and choose the date and time.
Did you know?
Families who are signed up for SMS text messages will receive a message that lets them know they can opt out of receiving your messages by texting LEAVE at any time.
Families receive text messages, but there is also a TalkingPoints for Families App that families can download.
Engage Your Families
There are multiple ways to engage your families and staff once you have your account set up:
Add photos, emojis, and other attachments.
Send whole school announcements or reach out to families individually.
The more you engage your families to drive student success, the more support they can give your students. Families appreciate hearing from you!