Our New Approach to Accountability
CPS is excited to introduce a reimagined approach to accountability centered on the holistic development of our students. This means focusing not only on academic success but also fostering an environment that supports students’ growth and well-being.
Following a multi-year process of planning and development, CPS has introduced a new system for evaluating school performance and progress. The Continuous Improvement and Data Transparency Policy (CIDT) sets out a systematic means for measuring a school’s performance and identifying schools in need of support. It replaces the School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) and improves on many aspects of its predecessor by being built from the ground up using stakeholder feedback, advice and participation.
How CIDT Changes CPS' Approach to Accountability
Our new approach to accountability focuses on working with schools to address challenges, not penalizing them. Watch our video to learn more about how CIDT is changing the District's system of accountability.
Daily Learning Experiences
The quality of a student’s day-to-day experience at school and the practices that positively impact students' learning and success over time.
Adult Capacity and Continuous Learning
The creation of a positive and inclusive environment for teachers and staff including ongoing professional development that helps create a school culture where students feel supported, included, and able to achieve their best.
Inclusive and Collaborative School and Community
A welcoming and supportive environment for students, families, and the community that emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships to improve practice and support the whole child.
Evidence of Student Learning and Wellbeing
Information about how schools and the district help students—through teaching methods and resources—as well as data about how well students perform.
Helping Schools Succeed
Instead of punishing schools for their challenges, our new approach focuses on how CPS is helping them improve. It is designed to be fair and ensure that every student gets a high-quality education by directing resources where they are needed most. This also means detailing all the necessary support and resources to help schools succeed, including:
- Funds: Money for school budgets
- Supplies/Products: Curriculum, books, ed-tech tools
- Services: Data systems, consulting, external professional development
- Personnel: Position allocations, staffing needs
Helping Schools Succeed
Instead of punishing schools for their challenges, our new approach focuses on how CPS is helping them improve. It is designed to be fair and ensure that every student gets a high-quality education by directing resources where they are needed most. This also means detailing all the necessary support and resources to help schools succeed, including:
- Funds: Money for school budgets
- Supplies/Products: Curriculum, books, ed-tech tools
- Services: Data systems, consulting, external professional development
- Personnel: Position allocations, staffing needs
Looking Ahead
CPS will continue to prioritize the well-being and development of every student. Our approach is built on continuous improvement and active engagement with the entire CPS community. We are working hard to fully implement our new approach to accountability by Fall 2025. This will be done in stages to give our schools and stakeholders time to understand changes and receive ongoing training and tools for support.
Starting this fall, we will begin to introduce new data measures along with information on schools' curriculum choices, balanced assessment plans, and out-of-school time programming. Our shared goal is to create an approach to our accountability system that aligns to our mission and supports every student's success, preparing them to be ethical, critical thinkers, and engaged community members.
Stay Informed
We invite you to visit this website regularly for updates on the accountability process and to access resources and information about our continuous improvement efforts. Together, we will ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and become a successful, well-rounded individual.