School data tools for family and LSC inquiry: CIWP, 5Essentials, CPS School Profiles, To&Through, and ISBE report card¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The playbook's Data Dive section assembles six data sources parents and LSC members can use to learn about their school: the Continuous Improvement Work Plan, 5Essentials Survey results, CPS School Profiles (covering academic progress, school climate, and community engagement), To&Through elementary and high school data tools, lived experiences of families, and the ISBE report card. It advises that "These data points are best used in sparking questions & conversations to understand what's happening at school, and what improvements can be made toward stronger student experiences & learning."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Public availability of the school's CIWP, 5Essentials reports, CPS School Profiles, To&Through tools, and the ISBE report card; outside Chicago, publicly available district and state data.

Constraints¶

• The playbook frames these data points as conversation-starters for questions and dialogue, not as standalone verdicts on a school.

Target Learners¶

• parents and caregivers
• Local School Council members
• community leaders

Target Learning Goals¶

• using school data to understand student experiences and guide school improvement conversations

Related Elements¶

• 5Essentials Survey system measuring school organizational conditions

Examples¶

• Parents and LSC members partner with principals by learning the leadership team, reviewing the CIWP and school data, and fostering a welcoming school culture
• Use survey profiles, discussion questions, and the Details report to guide school improvement deliberations
• Deliberately bridge student experience data work across tools, initiatives, and partner organizations
• Conduct a family engagement needs assessment as the first step in planning

Key Sources¶

• UChicago Consortium on School Research. (2025). Family playbook: Effective principal leadership. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. https://consortium.uchicago.edu/events-and-resources