DataManager Platform to be Used for CPS High School Admissions Exam

Beginning with the admissions test for the 2022-2023 school year, taken in the fall of 2021, the CPS High School Admissions Test will no longer be administered on paper. Instead, students will take the test on computers, using the secure DataManager platform. To prepare for the test, students will have access to a “Student Practice Experience,” which will give them the opportunity to learn how to use the features of the DataManager platform.

The DataManager platform allows students to use many of the same features they would have access to on a physical test. For example, students can skip questions and come back to them, or mark questions for later review. An explanation of each of the features available can be accessed within the platform by clicking on the “Help” button, and students should make sure they understand these features during the Student Practice Experience.

Francis Burke, Test Prep Chicago Intern

Vedamo: Our Online Tutoring Platform

Since COVID-19 started spreading last March, Test Prep Chicago had to adapt quickly toward an online tutoring model. The platform we use, Vedamo, has several features and advantages over other online tutoring and provides an experience that’s much more active for our students than a simple Zoom call.

Vedamo was created in 2014 and was designed specifically for tutoring by tutors. The biggest benefit of this model is that online sessions are extremely intuitive; even the least tech-savvy of our students can jump into using the features of the classroom with ease. Just to name a few…

• Video conferencing functionality (just like Zoom)

• A virtual whiteboard that both students and tutors can interact with

• A multi-sized and colored drawing tool along with a quick-fading pointer

• Inserting shapes, text, and symbols

• Sharing screens

• Chat capabilities

• Uploading a large number of file types

• Recorded sessions available for classes missed

Students are also able to use all of these features and join the classroom just by clicking a link. There is no software to install, just a simple first time account setup. Students can also join the classroom from any device, whether it be their school laptop, or a family iPad.

Lastly, and we think most importantly, Vedamo allows us to provide all of Test Prep Chicago’s original test prep material easily and efficiently. Even in an e-learning environment, students will receive all of the benefits of an in-person session.

If you’d like to learn more about Vedamo, our original material, or Test Prep Chicago, give us a call at (312) 848-1266 or send an email to info@testprepchicago.com.