Office of Academic Enhancement
The Office of Academic Enhancement was created as a vehicle for the implementation of the Student Desegregation Plan for the Chicago Public schools in the early 1980s.
The office now emphasizes choice, equity of access, and innovation through student assignment and academic programming.
As part of our efforts, the Office of Academic Enhancement provides the following services to parents and students:
- Provide information, answer questions, and resolve concerns regarding the application and selection process for magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, open enrollment schools, gifted and classical schools, academic centers, international gifted programs and selective enrollment high schools.
- Counsel parents regarding specific programs available.
- Make presentations at libraries throughout the city regarding the application and selection process, and the schools and programs available.
In addition, the responsibilities of the Office of Academic Enhancement include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct computerized lottery selection process for magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, and open enrollment schools.
- Manage the testing process for gifted and classical schools, academic centers, international gifted programs, and selective enrollment high schools.
- Provide programmatic expertise and leadership for the programs at magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, and all Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (formerly Gifted and Enriched Academic Programs).
- Develop and distribute the annual Options for Knowledge guide, which provides parents and students with information regarding the choices of elementary and high school programs available.
- Oversee the Comprehensive Gifted Programs and Specific Aptitude Programs offered at selected magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, and open enrollment schools.
- Coordinate professional development to enhance the instructional skills and expand the knowledge base of staff of magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, and Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools.
- Provide marketing and promotional assistance to schools to increase community awareness of schools and programs available.
- Develop partnerships with agencies and organizations in order to facilitate the provision of educational resources to schools.
