Richardson ISD will be using TalkingPoints beginning with the 2024-25 school year to drive student success through two-way communication with families.
TalkingPoints will be the primary source of two-way text communication between staff and families, as RISD is phasing out the use of Remind, SportsYou, ClassDojo, Band, and similar apps for messaging with students and parents. Student messaging is a feature of TalkingPoints that RISD will be implementing with secondary students later in 2024-25. Parents and guardians will be able to opt out of receiving text messages from TalkingPoints.
When using TalkingPoints, parents do not need to download an app to communicate directly with RISD staff. Parents and guardians will receive text messages in the language they chose when enrolling students. TalkingPoints is available in 150 different languages, and the family’s language preference can also be updated in Focus by the parent or guardian, as well as the campus student data specialist.
TalkingPoints is an evidence-based tool that aligns with RISD’s strategic initiatives. Family engagement is critical for student success, and research studies have shown that TalkingPoints improves student outcomes and reduces chronic absenteeism, according to the education technology nonprofit.
