Chicago Public Schools (CPS) provides a comprehensive suite of digital tools and applications designed to support staff in various roles, from educators to administrators. These resources streamline workflows, enhance communication, and facilitate continuous professional development. This guide serves as a directory to navigate these essential CPS apps, emphasizing the importance of reflective practices in professional growth, particularly through platforms like Reflect And Learn Cps.
Frequently Used Apps for CPS Staff
These applications are integral to daily operations and communication across CPS.
IMPACT – Student Information System
The Student Information System (SIS), known as IMPACT, is your central hub for managing student data. Access student records, attendance, grades, and other critical information necessary for effective classroom management and student support. IMPACT is crucial for educators and administrative staff to maintain accurate and up-to-date student profiles.
Google@CPS – Communication and Collaboration Suite
Google@CPS provides access to your CPS email and the full suite of Google Workspace tools. Utilize Gmail for communication, Google Drive for file storage and sharing, Google Docs for collaborative document creation, and Google Meet for virtual meetings. This platform is essential for seamless communication and collaboration within CPS.
HR4U – Human Resources Information
HR4U is your go-to resource for all Human Resources related information. Access your pay stubs, manage benefits, explore career opportunities within CPS, and find important HR policies and updates. HR4U empowers employees to manage their employment information efficiently.
Enterprise Financial Services (EFS) – Financial Management
Enterprise Financial Services (EFS), powered by Oracle, is the suite of financial applications used across CPS. This system is utilized for financial reporting, budgeting, procurement, and other financial management tasks. EFS is primarily used by administrative and finance staff to manage CPS financial operations.
Timekeeper – Time and Attendance Tracking
Timekeeper is the application used to track your work hours and submit any necessary Kronos corrections. Ensure accurate payroll and attendance records by utilizing Timekeeper to log your daily hours and manage any discrepancies. This is a vital tool for all CPS employees to maintain accurate work records.
Employee Intranet – Internal Resources and Information
The Employee Intranet is a central repository of information and resources specifically for CPS educational and administrative staff. Find important announcements, policy documents, staff directories, and links to other essential CPS systems. The Intranet serves as your internal information hub within CPS.
Classroom Applications to Enhance Teaching and Learning
These applications are designed to support educators in delivering engaging and effective instruction.
Achieve 3000 – Differentiated Online Instruction
Achieve 3000 provides differentiated online instruction in literacy, catering to diverse student needs. This platform offers personalized learning experiences to help students improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Achieve 3000 is a valuable tool for educators to personalize learning in language arts.
ST Math – Web-based Math Instruction
ST Math is a web-based math instruction program that utilizes visual learning to build deep conceptual understanding in mathematics. Engage students with interactive games and puzzles that foster problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency. ST Math offers a unique approach to math education.
Safari Montage – Educational Video Library
Safari Montage provides access to a vast library of curriculum and standards-focused educational videos from leading publishers. Enhance your lessons with high-quality multimedia content that aligns with learning objectives and engages students visually. Safari Montage is a rich resource for multimedia integration in the classroom.
Khan Academy – Personalized Learning Resources
Khan Academy offers personalized learning for all ages with practice exercises, instructional videos, and comprehensive resources across various subjects. Utilize Khan Academy to supplement classroom instruction, provide individualized support, and encourage student-paced learning. This platform is a versatile tool for personalized education.
Student Assessment System – Curriculum-Aligned Assessments
The Student Assessment System provides access to curriculum-aligned assessments for teachers. Utilize these tools to monitor student progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform instructional decisions. These assessments help educators gauge student understanding and tailor their teaching strategies.
School Management and Resources
These applications support school-level administration, communication, and data management.
School Directory – Find School Information
The School Directory allows you to easily find information on all CPS schools. Search for school contact details, addresses, programs, and other essential information for parents, staff, and community members. This directory provides quick access to school-level information.
School Profiles – School Location and Details
School Profiles provides detailed information about each school, including location, demographics, programs offered, and school performance data. This resource is valuable for parents choosing schools and for staff seeking comprehensive school information.
Quantifying Educators – Staffing and Vacancy Overview
Quantifying Educators provides principals with a real-time view of staffed and vacant positions within their school. This tool aids in staffing management, resource allocation, and ensuring schools are adequately staffed to meet student needs.
Dashboard – District-Wide Analytical Tool
The Dashboard is a district-wide analytical tool providing access to key performance indicators, student achievement data, and other district-level metrics. This tool supports data-driven decision-making at both the district and school levels.
Parent Portal – Student Information for Parents
The Parent Portal allows parents to access their children’s grades, attendance records, and other important student information. This platform enhances communication between home and school and keeps parents informed about their child’s academic progress.
ODA – School Data Collection Tool
ODA (Online Data Acquisition) is a data collection tool utilized by schools for various reporting and data submission requirements. This system streamlines data collection processes and ensures accurate reporting across CPS.
Local School Council (LSC) – LSC Member Management
The Local School Council (LSC) application is used to manage member information and facilitate communication within the LSC. This tool supports the important work of Local School Councils in school governance and community engagement.
Student Portal – Student Access to Information
The Student Portal provides students with access to their grades, schedules, and other relevant academic information. Empowering students to monitor their own progress and stay organized.
Blackboard Connect – Communication Distribution System
Blackboard Connect is used to distribute communications to parents, staff, and the broader community. This system enables schools and the district to send important announcements, emergency alerts, and other critical information efficiently.
School Support Center – School Business Support
The School Support Center provides training, advocacy, and other business support services to schools. Access resources and assistance to help schools operate effectively and efficiently.
NWEA – Student Growth Measurement System
NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) system supports district-wide measurement of student growth through standardized assessments. This data informs instructional practices and helps track student progress over time.
Reflect and Learn CPS – REACH Teacher Evaluation System
Reflect and Learn CPS is the online platform for the REACH teacher evaluation system. This system is designed to support teacher growth through observation, feedback, and reflective practice. Educators utilize Reflect and Learn CPS to document their professional goals, track progress, and engage in self-reflection to continuously improve their teaching effectiveness. The “reflect and learn” concept is central to professional development within CPS, encouraging educators to critically analyze their practice and identify areas for growth.
Distance Calculator – School Distance Calculation Tool
The Distance Calculator calculates the distance from an address to a school using the CPS accepted methodology. This tool is useful for enrollment purposes and for understanding school proximity based on address.
Historical Student Information Access – Archived Student Data
Historical Student Information Access provides access to student data from 2008 and prior. This resource is useful for accessing archived records and historical student information when needed.
College & Career Data Portal – Post-Secondary Data and Tools
The College & Career Data Portal provides access to college and career-related data, tools, and reports. Support students in their post-secondary planning with valuable data and resources related to college and career pathways.
SOAR Libraries – CPS Virtual Library Resources
SOAR Libraries provides access to the CPS Virtual Library, online databases, and school library book catalogs. Enhance research and learning with access to a wealth of digital resources and library materials.
Hyperion – Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting System
Hyperion, by Oracle, is used for planning, budgeting, and forecasting across CPS. This system supports financial planning and resource allocation at various levels within the district.
Cityspan – Non-Public School Program Management
Cityspan is used for the management of attendance and billing for non-public school programs within CPS. Streamline administrative tasks related to non-public school partnerships and programs.
Principal Evaluation – LSC Principal Evaluation Tool
The Principal Evaluation tool is used by Local School Councils to conduct principal evaluations. This system 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. Track and manage school resources effectively to ensure proper inventory and accountability.
Instructional Asset Management – Instructional Resource Inventory
Instructional Asset Management provides administrative access to manage instructional resources inventory. Maintain an organized inventory of textbooks and other instructional materials within schools.
Compass Transportation Management – School Transportation System
Compass Transportation Management system supports school transportation operations. Manage bus routes, student transportation schedules, and related transportation logistics.
CPS Continuous Improvement Work Plan – School Improvement Planning
The CPS Continuous Improvement Work Plan application supports schools in developing and managing their continuous improvement plans. Engage in strategic planning and track progress towards school improvement goals.
Vision Portal – CPS Vision Goal Data
The Vision Portal provides access to data related to CPS Vision Goals. Monitor progress towards district-wide strategic goals and access relevant data visualizations.
Employee Services and Support Applications
These resources are designed to support CPS employees with various services and administrative tasks.
Employee Search – Employee Directory
Employee Search provides an employee phone and email directory. Easily find contact information for colleagues across CPS for communication and collaboration.
Covid-19 Employee Contact Update – Emergency Contact Information
The Covid-19 Employee Contact Update (likely repurposed for general emergency contact updates) allows CPS employees to update their emergency contact information. Ensure your emergency contacts are current for safety and communication purposes.
CPS Visitor Registration – Guest Preregistration
CPS Visitor Registration allows you to preregister guests for meetings and appointments. Streamline visitor management and enhance school security by preregistering visitors.
Payroll Forms – Electronic Payroll Documents
Payroll Forms provides access to electronic payroll forms. Access and manage your payroll documents digitally for convenience and efficiency.
Learning Hub – Professional Development and Training
The Learning Hub is your gateway to enroll in events, training, and professional education opportunities within CPS. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge through the Learning Hub’s professional development offerings.
DS2 – Talent Communication and Employee Data
DS2 is a principal tool for talent communication, managing transfer requests, and accessing historical employee data. Principals utilize DS2 for various HR-related tasks and employee management.
Policy Handbook – CPS Policy Repository
The Policy Handbook is the official record system for policies approved by the Board of Education. Access official CPS policies to ensure compliance and understanding of district regulations.
Google Training – Google Applications Training Resources
Google Training provides online training articles and tips for utilizing Google applications effectively. Enhance your proficiency with Google Workspace tools through these helpful training resources.
District Calendar Administration – District-Wide Calendar Management
District Calendar Administration provides authorized users with admin/edit access to the district-wide calendar. Manage and update the official CPS district calendar.
Facility Work Order – Maintenance Request Submission
Facility Work Order allows you to report facility conditions or request maintenance services. Submit work orders for facility repairs and maintenance needs within your school or office.
Former Employees – Resources for Past CPS Staff
Former Employees provides information and forms specifically for former CPS employees. Access resources and information relevant to your status as a former CPS employee.
Frontline Education – Substitute and Staff Placement
Frontline Education (formerly AESOP) manages the placement of substitutes and other itinerant staff. Schools utilize Frontline Education for managing substitute teacher assignments and staff absences.
Continuing Endorsement Program – Advanced Degree Opportunities
The Continuing Endorsement Program provides opportunities to earn additional endorsements, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. Advance your education and professional credentials through these programs.
Google Groups – Group Communication Management
Google Groups allows you to create and manage your own Google Groups for collaborative communication. Facilitate group communication and discussions using Google Groups.
SafeSchools Safety and Compliance Training – Mandatory Training Platform
SafeSchools Safety and Compliance Training is the platform for mandatory safety and compliance training for CPS staff. Complete required training modules to ensure a safe and compliant learning and working environment.
School Leader University – Leadership Development Resources
School Leader University provides learning and development resources specifically for school leaders. Enhance your leadership skills and access professional development tailored for school administrators.
Technology Support Applications
These applications provide technology-related services and support for CPS staff.
Remote Access – CPS Network Remote Login
Remote Access allows you to remotely log in to the CPS network. Access CPS resources and systems from outside the school or office network when necessary.
Technology Services – IT Support and Services
Technology Services outlines the technology services offered to schools and central offices. Learn about available IT support, resources, and services provided by CPS Technology Services.
IT Support and Assistance
These applications provide direct IT support and password management for CPS staff.
Service Now – IT Technical Support Requests
Service Now is the system for managing IT technical support requests. Submit and track IT support tickets for technical issues and assistance.
Password Management – CPS Password Reset Tool
Password Management is the tool to reset your CPS password. Securely reset your password if forgotten or expired to maintain access to CPS systems.
Wireless Password Lookup – School Wireless Password Retrieval
Wireless Password Lookup allows you to find the password for your school’s wireless network. Quickly access your school’s wireless network password for device connectivity.
Non-Employee Account Sponsorship (NEMS) – System Account Management for Non-Employees
Non-Employee Account Sponsorship (NEMS) manages system accounts for non-employees. Sponsor and manage accounts for contractors, volunteers, and other non-employee personnel requiring access to CPS systems.
This directory provides a comprehensive overview of the digital resources available to CPS staff. By utilizing these applications effectively and engaging in reflective practices encouraged by tools like Reflect and Learn CPS, CPS staff can enhance their professional capabilities and contribute to the success of Chicago Public Schools.
