For the Chicago Public Schools' Office of Technology Services, switching from an ancient mainframe to a series of state-of-theart information systems was not a one-size-fits-all initiative.

The OTS team decided to create three different information systems: one for student information, dubbed the Instructional Management Program and Academic Communication Tool (IMPACT); one for humanresource information, called CPS@Work; and a third for back-office functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and budgeting.

When all three systems are fully functional--and all staff members have been trained to use them--these systems will have the potential to revolutionize how CPS runs its operations. Here's how district officials have gone about this massive undertaking.

Making an IMPACT

IMPACT is a $41.4 million project that brings student data together into a single point of contact, allowing principals and teachers to access student information more easily, reducing paperwork, and giving teachers more instructional time with their students.

The project is the single most important initiative of the CPS tech team, "and if anyone else tells you different, you send them to me," jokes district CIO Robert Runcie.

IMPACT has three major components: the Student Information Management (SIM) system will replace the district's current student information system; the Curriculum and Instructional Management (CIM) system will provide helpful tools for instruction; and the Specialized Services Management (SSM) system will manage information for students with special needs.

Powered by software from Chancery Student Management Solutions, the SIM will allow teachers and administrators to access and manage student information such as grade reporting, progress reports, failure notices, enrollment, attendance, scheduling, behavior reports, and discipline issues. Users also will be able to schedule and build calendars.

A significant challenge to implementing the database is the fact that OTS cannot simply build a new database and then shut off the old one, because there are bound to be kinks that must be worked out. While the IMPACT system is rolling out, OTS must maintain the original student information system and run both systems simultaneously. Only after all stakeholders have been trained in IMPACT, and after it is guaranteed to work as it should, will OTS be able to turn off the old system.

IMPACT's CIM, powered by SchoolNet, is "leading the charge on how teachers pull [all of the data] together," says Sharnell Jackson, chief eLearning officer. "They're learning to make data-driven decisions." CIM will include modules for gathering and managing information for such tasks as data analysis and reporting, standards- based curriculum and instructional management, comprehensive benchmark testing, and web-based communication and collaboration.

The SSM component of IMPACT is the result of an effort by the CPS Office of Specialized Services (OSS) to analyze and improve its internal processes and the delivery of special-ed services. This endeavor will affect more than 55,000 students classified as specialneeds children, as well as approximate-ly 7,000 faculty members, case managers, clinicians, and support staff.