For Chicago Public Schools (CPS) staff, navigating the digital landscape of resources and applications is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness. This guide highlights essential CPS apps, focusing on the vital “Reflect and Learn” platform, alongside other key tools categorized for easy access. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or support staff, understanding these resources will streamline your daily tasks and enhance your professional growth within CPS.
Essential CPS Applications for Staff
Chicago Public Schools provides a suite of applications designed to support its staff across various functions. These tools range from managing student information to accessing HR resources and facilitating classroom instruction. Below are some frequently used applications that are indispensable for CPS employees.
Frequently Used Apps
These applications are accessed daily by CPS staff for core functions and information management.
IMPACT – Student Information System
The Student Information System (SIS) is a central hub for managing student data, including attendance, grades, and demographics. It’s an essential tool for teachers, administrators, and support staff to maintain accurate student records and track academic progress.
Google@CPS – Email and Collaboration Suite
Google@CPS provides access to your CPS email account and the full suite of Google Workspace tools, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This platform facilitates communication, collaboration, and file sharing among staff, students, and parents.
HR4U – Human Resources Information
HR4U is your go-to portal for all Human Resources related information. Access your pay stubs, benefits details, career opportunities within CPS, and other essential HR services. This application ensures you stay informed about your employment status and benefits.
Enterprise Financial Services (EFS) – Financial Management
EFS is the platform for Oracle financial applications, used for financial management across CPS. Staff involved in budget management, procurement, and financial reporting will utilize EFS for various financial operations.
Timekeeper – Time and Attendance Tracking
Timekeeper is used to accurately track your work hours and submit any necessary corrections to your Kronos timecard. It’s crucial for ensuring accurate payroll and managing work hours effectively.
Employee Intranet – Staff Resources and Information
The Employee Intranet serves as a comprehensive resource hub for both educational and administrative staff. Find important announcements, policies, forms, and resources relevant to your role within CPS.
Classroom Applications for Enhanced Learning
These applications are specifically designed to enhance classroom instruction and student learning experiences.
Achieve 3000 – Differentiated Online Instruction
Achieve 3000 provides differentiated online instruction tailored to meet individual student reading levels and learning needs. It’s a valuable tool for personalizing learning and supporting literacy development in the classroom.
ST Math – Web-Based Math Instruction
ST Math is a web-based program that uses visual and interactive games to teach mathematical concepts. It helps students build a deep conceptual understanding of math through engaging problem-solving activities.
Safari Montage – Educational Video Library
Safari Montage offers a vast library of curriculum-aligned educational videos from leading publishers. Educators can use this resource to enrich their lessons with high-quality video content that supports various subjects and learning standards.
Khan Academy – Personalized Learning Resources
Khan Academy offers personalized learning resources for all ages, including practice exercises and instructional videos across various subjects. It’s a versatile tool for both in-class activities and student self-paced learning.
Student Assessment System – Curriculum-Aligned Assessments
The Student Assessment System provides access to curriculum-aligned assessments for teachers to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions. This tool helps educators gauge student understanding and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
Resources for Schools and Administration
These applications support school-level operations, data analysis, and communication between schools, parents, and the district.
School Directory – Find School Information
The School Directory allows you to easily find contact information and details for any school within the Chicago Public Schools district. It’s a useful tool for communication and networking across the CPS community.
School Profiles – School Location and Details
School Profiles provides comprehensive information about each school, including location, programs offered, and specific school features. This resource is helpful for parents, students, and staff seeking detailed school information.
Quantifying Educators – Staffing Overview for Principals
Quantifying Educators gives principals a real-time view of staffed and vacant positions within their school. This tool aids in staffing management and ensures schools are adequately staffed to meet student needs.
Dashboard – District-Wide Analytics
The CPS Dashboard is a district-wide analytical tool providing insights into various data points across the school system. Administrators and decision-makers use this dashboard to monitor trends, assess performance, and make data-driven decisions.
Parent Portal – Student Information for Parents
The Parent Portal allows parents to access their children’s grades, attendance, and other important student information. It fosters communication and engagement between home and school.
ODA – School Data Collection Tool
ODA is a data collection tool used by schools to submit required data to the district. It streamlines the data reporting process and ensures accurate information is collected from all schools.
Local School Council (LSC) – LSC Member Management
The Local School Council (LSC) application is used to manage member information and activities related to each school’s LSC. It supports local governance and community involvement in schools.
Student Portal – Student Access to Information
The Student Portal provides students with access to their grades, schedules, and other academic information. It empowers students to take ownership of their learning and stay informed about their progress.
Blackboard Connect – Communication Platform
Blackboard Connect facilitates communication distribution to parents, staff, and the broader community. It’s used for sending important announcements, emergency alerts, and school-wide communications.
School Support Center – School Business Support
The School Support Center provides training, advocacy, and business support to schools. This resource assists school staff with operational challenges and ensures schools have the support they need to function effectively.
NWEA – Student Growth Measurement System
NWEA is the system used district-wide to measure student academic growth over time. It provides data to track student progress and inform instructional strategies at the district and school levels.
Reflect and Learn – REACH Teacher Evaluation System
Reflect and Learn is the gateway to the REACH teacher evaluation system within CPS. This platform is critical for educators as it provides the framework and tools for teacher evaluation, professional development, and continuous improvement. REACH (Recognizing Educators Advancing Chicago’s Human Capital) is designed to support teacher growth through a structured process of reflection, feedback, and goal setting. Understanding and engaging with Reflect and Learn is essential for all CPS teachers to enhance their practice and contribute to student success.
Distance Calculator – School Distance Calculation
The Distance Calculator helps determine the distance from an address to a school using the CPS-accepted methodology. This tool is useful for enrollment purposes and understanding school proximity.
Historical Student Information Access – Past Student Data
Historical Student Information Access provides access to student data from 2008 and prior. This resource is valuable for accessing older records and historical student information when needed.
College & Career Data Portal – Post-Secondary Data and Tools
The College & Career Data Portal offers college and career-related data, tools, and reports. It supports college and career readiness initiatives and provides valuable insights for students and counselors.
SOAR Libraries – CPS Virtual Library Access
SOAR Libraries provides access to the CPS Virtual Library, online databases, and school library book catalogs. It’s a comprehensive resource for research, digital learning materials, and supporting literacy across CPS.
Hyperion – Budgeting and Forecasting System
Hyperion is Oracle Hyperion Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting System used for financial planning and resource allocation within CPS. It supports the district’s budgeting processes and financial forecasting.
Cityspan – Non-Public School Program Management
Cityspan is used for managing attendance and billing for non-public school programs within CPS. It streamlines administrative tasks related to these programs and ensures efficient operations.
Principal Evaluation – LSC Principal Evaluation Tool
The Principal Evaluation tool is used by Local School Councils to conduct evaluations of school principals. It provides a structured process for LSCs to assess principal performance and provide feedback.
Asset Management – School Asset Administration
Asset Management provides administrative access to manage assets within individual schools. It helps schools keep track of equipment, inventory, and physical resources.
Instructional Asset Management – Instructional Resource Inventory
Instructional Asset Management is used to manage the inventory of instructional resources within schools. It helps track textbooks, curriculum materials, and other instructional assets.
Compass Transportation Management – School Transportation System
Compass Transportation Management supports the management of school transportation services within CPS. It aids in route planning, bus scheduling, and ensuring efficient student transportation.
CPS Continuous Improvement Work Plan – School Improvement Planning
The CPS Continuous Improvement Work Plan platform supports schools in developing and managing their continuous improvement plans. It guides schools through the planning process and tracks progress towards school improvement goals.
Vision Portal – CPS Vision Goal Data Access
The Vision Portal provides access to data related to CPS Vision Goals. It allows staff to monitor progress towards district-wide strategic goals and initiatives.
Employee Services and Support Tools
These applications are focused on supporting CPS employees with various services, professional development, and administrative tasks.
Employee Search – Staff Directory
Employee Search is a directory to find phone numbers and email addresses for CPS employees. It facilitates internal communication and networking among staff members.
Covid-19 Employee Contact Update – Emergency Contact Information
The Covid-19 Employee Contact Update (Google Groups link) is used for CPS employees to update their emergency contact information. Keeping this information current is crucial for employee safety and communication during emergencies.
CPS Visitor Registration – Guest Pre-registration
CPS Visitor Registration allows staff to preregister guests for meetings and appointments. It streamlines visitor management and enhances school security protocols.
Payroll Forms – Electronic Payroll Documents
Payroll Forms provides access to electronic payroll forms. This application allows employees to manage their payroll documents and access important tax forms online.
Learning Hub – Professional Development and Training
The Learning Hub is your portal to enroll in events, training, and professional education opportunities offered by CPS. It supports ongoing professional growth and development for all staff.
DS2 – Talent Communication and Employee Data
DS2 is a principal’s tool for talent communication, managing transfer requests, and accessing historical employee data. It supports HR functions at the school level and facilitates talent management.
Policy Handbook – CPS Policy Repository
The Policy Handbook is the official record system for policies approved by the Board of Education. It provides access to all official CPS policies and guidelines.
Google Training – Google Application Tutorials
Google Training offers online articles and tips for using Google applications effectively. It helps staff enhance their skills in using Google Workspace tools for productivity and collaboration.
District Calendar Administration – Calendar Management
District Calendar Administration provides admin access to manage and edit the district-wide calendar. It ensures accurate and up-to-date information is available on the official CPS calendar.
Facility Work Order – Maintenance Request Submission
The Facility Work Order form is used to report facility conditions or request maintenance at your school or office. It streamlines the process of reporting and resolving facility issues.
Former Employees – Resources for Past Staff
Former Employees provides information and forms specifically for individuals who previously worked for CPS. It offers resources related to benefits, records, and other information relevant to former staff.
Frontline Education – Substitute and Staff Management
Frontline Education (formerly AESOP) manages the placement of substitutes and other itinerant staff. It helps schools efficiently manage staffing needs and ensure classroom coverage.
Continuing Endorsement Program – Advanced Degree Opportunities
The Continuing Endorsement Program offers opportunities for staff to earn additional endorsements, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. It supports career advancement and further education for CPS employees.
Google Groups – Group Communication Management
Google Groups allows you to create and manage your own Google Groups for communication and collaboration. It provides tools for setting up mailing lists and discussion forums for teams or departments.
SafeSchools Safety and Compliance Training – Mandatory Training Platform
SafeSchools Safety and Compliance Training provides access to your personalized safety and compliance training modules. Completing these trainings is mandatory for CPS employees to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
School Leader University – Leadership Development
School Leader University offers learning and development resources specifically for school leaders. It supports principal professional growth and leadership effectiveness within CPS.
Technology and IT Support
These resources provide access to technology services, IT support, and password management for CPS staff.
Remote Access – CPS Network Login
Remote Access allows you to securely log in to the CPS network from outside the school or office. It enables access to network resources and applications when working remotely.
Technology Services – IT Services for Schools and Offices
Technology Services provides information about the IT services offered to schools and central offices within CPS. It’s a resource for understanding available tech support and services.
Support and Password Management
These applications are crucial for resolving IT issues and managing your CPS account credentials.
Service Now – IT Support Request System
Service Now is the system for managing IT technical support requests. Use Service Now to submit tickets for IT issues and track the resolution process.
Password Management – CPS Password Reset
Password Management allows you to reset your CPS password if forgotten or expired. It’s a self-service tool for managing your login credentials.
Wireless Password Lookup – School Wireless Password
Wireless Password Lookup helps you find the password for your school’s wireless network. It provides quick access to the necessary credentials for connecting to the school’s Wi-Fi.
Non-Employee Account Sponsorship – System Access for Non-Employees
Non-Employee Account Sponsorship (NEMS) manages system account access for individuals who are not direct employees of CPS, such as contractors or partners. It facilitates account creation and management for non-employee users.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip CPS staff with the knowledge to effectively utilize the diverse range of applications available. By leveraging these resources, particularly the Reflect and Learn platform for professional growth, CPS employees can contribute to a thriving and efficient educational environment for the students of Chicago.
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