ESSU Data Management System

The Data Management System (DMS) is a single sign-on system that assists Administrative Units (AUs) in meeting accountability requirements for Special Education.

Log in to ESSU Ascend DMS

Need Help?

Ascend Help Desk

Contact Ascend: 303-265-7011

Email Ascend: support@ascenddms.co

Forgot/Reset Password

Username: Full Email Address
Forgot Password: Reset and generate a temporary password

If you continue to have difficulties logging on to the DMS, please contact your AU LAM (Local Access Manager)

For all other DMS questions, Email DMS

Ascend Announcements

In response to feedback from the field, CDE made the decision to non-renew the contract with AnLar for the Ascend IEP system. To that end, Ascend will no longer be available as of July 1, 2022. Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, CDE will flow through IDEA dollars that would have been expended on the state-sponsored IEP system to AUs. These funds may be used on any IDEA allowable activities, including the purchase of an electronic IEP system. However, please note that there is no requirement that these funds be used by an AU to purchase an electronic IEP system. The CDE will continue to contract with AnLar for the DMS.

AU staff responsible for working in the DMS should try logging into the new DMS as soon as possible to ensure that there are no login issues. If AU staff do have issues logging into the Ascend DMS, please reach out to your AU LAM (Local Access Manager). If your LAM can not resolve the issue, please reach out to Alyssa Ohleyer.

Data Management System (DMS)

Getting Started: Overview of the Ascend DMS

Identity Management System (IMS)

For help with Roles and Responsibilities, general DMS guidance, and Indicator 8 or 14 (survey or interview) contact:
Alyssa Ohleyer
Email Alyssa Ohleyer
Phone: (720) 737-2617

For help with Primary Data Files in the DMS contact:
Orla Bolger
Email Orla Bolger
Phone: (720) 921-0524

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