FASTalk offering new, free multilingual texts to support at-home learning PK-5
Updated April 6. 2020
Family Engagement Lab recognizes that schools may need additional support to reach and engage families in at-home learning during school closures. In particular, families with limited access to devices and the internet, as well as those facing language barriers are likely to need simple, accessible options to support learning at home over the coming weeks.
To support your rapidly evolving priorities related to family communication and learning at home, we are offering the following resource that can be shared immediately to all preschool - fifth grade families in our partner school systems.
Family Engagement Lab recognizes that schools may need additional support to reach and engage families in at-home learning during school closures. In particular, families with limited access to devices and the internet, as well as those facing language barriers are likely to need simple, accessible options to support learning at home over the coming weeks.
To support your rapidly evolving priorities related to family communication and learning at home, we are offering the following resource that can be shared immediately to all preschool - fifth grade families in our partner school systems.
FASTalk Direct: Engage PK-5 families facing language and connectivity barriers during school closures
To help families stay engaged in learning throughout a school closure, FASTalk is offering a new, direct-to-parents texting program free-of-charge for current partners:
- FASTalk Direct will send parents weekly tips and activities aligned to state ELA learning standards across preschool through fifth grade.
- Activities will be sent by text message. Parents do not need to have a smartphone or download an app to benefit.
- Text messages will be available in 100+ languages.
- Parents will also receive tips to support social and emotional learning, including managing stress and anxiety.
- FASTalk Direct can also send links to high-quality online learning resources recommended by your district or state department of education. (Note: Districts interested in customizing the linked learning resources may contact support@fastalk.org to direct families to recommended resources.)
Will current FASTalk teachers be able to continue using FASTalk?
Yes! For now, current teachers and families already using FASTalk can continue with the current curriculum-aligned text messages to families. They also will have the option to switch to the more general grade-level aligned learning texts described above.
If you are a current FASTalk user and would like to switch from your curriculum-aligned content to the general ELA and SEL texts, please contact us at support(at)fastalk.org
Yes! For now, current teachers and families already using FASTalk can continue with the current curriculum-aligned text messages to families. They also will have the option to switch to the more general grade-level aligned learning texts described above.
If you are a current FASTalk user and would like to switch from your curriculum-aligned content to the general ELA and SEL texts, please contact us at support(at)fastalk.org
How can I inform families about FASTalk Direct?
We have set up online signup forms for each of our partners so that families can enroll directly in the FASTalk service. We recommend that you share the following information with your community on district and school social media, websites, newsletters, FAQs, notification systems, and more. Select your district/school to view your unique link:
We have set up online signup forms for each of our partners so that families can enroll directly in the FASTalk service. We recommend that you share the following information with your community on district and school social media, websites, newsletters, FAQs, notification systems, and more. Select your district/school to view your unique link:
Louisiana families can sign up for FASTalk Direct by texting LATIPS to (844) 872-0906
Families can receive PK-5 academic and social-emotional learning tips in 5 different languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic) via text message to foster meaningful connections between parents and students that will have a lasting impact on learning. Text: LATIPS to (844) 872-0906.
Families can receive PK-5 academic and social-emotional learning tips in 5 different languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic) via text message to foster meaningful connections between parents and students that will have a lasting impact on learning. Text: LATIPS to (844) 872-0906.
We are here to help
We admire the determination and creativity of educators and families in navigating these times. It is an honor to be a part of your educational program. If there is anything we can do to be of further assistance, especially as your needs evolve, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
We admire the determination and creativity of educators and families in navigating these times. It is an honor to be a part of your educational program. If there is anything we can do to be of further assistance, especially as your needs evolve, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
|
Vidya Sundaram
Co-founder and CEO |
Dr. Elisabeth O’Bryon
Co-founder and Head of Research and Curriculum |