A Canvas Parent Observer role provides view-only access to their student’s activity in Canvas. Observers will be able to monitor assignment due dates, announcements, and other course content. Synergy will remain the gradebook of record. This means you will still access your student’s official grades through your ParentVUE account (on Website or Mobile App)
*Additional information / FAQs about Canvas can be found on our District Site.
This Article Covers the Following
- Obtaining Parent / Observer Code
- Creating a New Parent / Observer Account
- Adding Observer Codes to an Existing Canvas Account
- Adding Observer Codes to an Existing CPS Employee Canvas Account
Obtaining Parent / Observer Code
In order to create a Parent Canvas account, the student must first generate a pairing "observer" code to give to their parent / guardian. This code will be used by the parent to add to their existing parent Canvas account or during the creation of a parent Canvas account.
Creating a New Parent / Observer Account
* These directions are for:
- parents / guardians who are NOT CPS Employees
- those who do not have a previous Canvas account set up
PARENTS will complete the following steps:
- Visit the CPS Parent Canvas login page.
- Click the Parent of a Canvas User? Click Here for an Account link at the top right of the pop-up window.
- Enter account signup details and the observer / student pairing code (code is provided by the student). Then, click on the Start Participating button.
Adding Observer Codes to an Existing Canvas Account
* These directions are for:
- parents / guardians who have already set up a Parent Canvas account
- those who already have a previous Canvas account set up (whether through a previous district or other institution)
- linking "non-CPS Employee" Canvas accounts
- those who have multiple children, this is how you add each child's observer code to your account
Log in to your existing Canvas [Parent] account.
Click on Account in Global Navigation (left menu bar) and then Observing.
Enter the Student Pairing Code in the field (code is provided by the student) and then click the Add Student button.
Adding Observer Codes to CPS Employee Canvas Account
* These directions are for:
- parents / guardians who are CPS Employees with an existing CPS Canvas Account.
- parents / guardians who are SECEP Employees with an existing Canvas Account.
- accounts which may not show the "Observing" link under their Account Settings menu.
First, access your "Employee" Canvas account.
Then, visit this link: https://cpsk12.instructure.com/profile/observees.
- Remember to log into your Canvas first before opening this link.
- It will take you to the Observing screen.
- Enter the Student Pairing Code in the field (code is provided by the student) and then click the Add Student button.
Select Dashboard and toggle between the view of your dashboard and the student’s dashboard by selecting the name from the drop-down menu at the top right.