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Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI)
EASI Application 2021-2022
Applications Due Wednesday, December 8, 2021, by 11:59 pm
Request Access to the EASI Application
Application Contacts will receive an email with instructions for accessing the EASI Application system.
Log In to the EASI Application
Technical Assistance and Resources
See Contacts Section for general or budget-related questions, and application support.
Prior Year EASI Applications and Resources
EASI Application Resources
EASI Application Introduction Videos
Introduction to EASI
Overview of the EASI Application (2020 version)
EASI Eligibility and Prioritization
Planning Documents and Forms
EASI Application Planning Document (Word)
- Note: This resource is intended to provide information on EASI and to be used in planning responses to the application.
- For an alternate version of this document, please email Kim Burnham.
EASI Menu of Supports (PDF)
EASI Eligibility and Prioritization
- EASI 2021-2022 Prioritization Overview (PDF)
- EASI 2021-2022 Eligibility and Prioritization Points (XLS)
EASI Application Routes
The application has been organized into four different routes: Exploration Supports, District Designed and Led, Offered Services, and Piloted Services. The routes have different criteria and ways of awarding funds geared to a specific intent. A summary of the routes and the individual services or opportunities can be found below. Additional details (e.g., eligibility criteria, prioritization guidelines, evaluation requirements, local commitments) for each program or opportunity are available below.
EASI Menu of Supports (PDF)
Exploration Supports Route
LEA is interested in funds and/or services to explore a solution (e.g., external diagnostic review, planning, community engagement) for the identified school(s) or particular populations within an identified school. This is a planning phase with a small allocation for implementation activities. The exploration supports include:
District Designed and Led Improvement Strategies Route
LEA has a plan or is already implementing a plan that meets school(s) needs and is interested in pursuing grant funds to support activities.
Offered Services Route
LEA is interested in applying for an existing CDE service aimed at improving school systems. Services may include a comprehensive approach that includes diagnostic review, planning, and implementation phases.
- Accountability Pathways Planning and Implementation
- Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports (COMTSS)
- Connect for Success
- School Turnaround Leadership Development Program
- School Turnaround Network
- Continuation of Offered Services
Piloted Services Route
LEAs and schools interested in applying for participation in a new piloted support aimed at improving school systems.
EASI Application Route Introduction Videos
Exploration Supports
Overview of Exploration Supports
Diagnostic Review for AECs and Online Schools
District Early Literacy Instructional Program Review
English Language Development Program Review
Offered Services
Accountability Pathways Planning and Implementation
Connect for Success
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (COMTSS)
School Turnaround Network
.
School Turnaround Leadership Development Program
District Designed and Led Improvement Strategies
Overview of District Designed and Led Improvement Strategies
Piloted Services
Facilitated Board Training for School Improvement
Technical Assistance
Virtual EASI Support Fair
To prepare for the application process, district and school staff were invited to the EASI Support Fair on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. This virtual event provided district and school staff with the opportunity to learn about state and federal identification, meet and connect with CDE staff, and learn more about support programs available through EASI. The agenda included an EASI 101 program overview, a walk-thru of the online application system, and updates for this year.
EASI Fair Presentation (PDF)
For more information regarding the EASI Fair contact Laura Meushaw (Meushaw_L@cde.state.co.us) or Lindsey Jaeckel (Jaeckel_L@cde.state.co.us).
Exploration Route Provider Training
View a recorded webinar focused on how providers can best serve partnering schools.
- Recorded Webinar (passcode: c9mLqP&v)
- Webinar Slides (PDF
Provider Information
Prior Year EASI Information
Prior Year Applications
EASI Budget
EASI Application Revision Process Information
Additional Prior Year Resources
Background of the EASI Application
With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and with revisions to the state’s Educational Accountability Act (HB 17-1355), Colorado is taking the opportunity to change the way school improvement (1003a through ESSA and the Transformation grant through HB 17-1355) funds are awarded to LEAs. Rather than multiple applications on separate timelines, CDE now streamlines school improvement opportunities into a single application and using a “needs-based approach” to award services and funding. Ultimately, the intent is to develop a robust process of matching schools’ needs with rigorous, evidence-based strategies and adequate resources. Additionally, awarded funds will enhance districts’ and schools’ ability to meet the ESSA and state requirements (e.g., stakeholder engagement, improvement plan, implementation of evidence-based interventions) in a way that directly benefits students.
Colorado is committed to aligning federal and state accountability to the degree possible. These grant funds are aimed at districts with schools that are designated as (1) Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CS) and Targeted Support and Improvement (TS), Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (A-TS) under ESSA, and (2) Priority Improvement Turnaround or Watch through the state accountability system. Specific eligibility and prioritization requirements for each support is detailed in the Menu of Supports and the application.
Contacts
Additional EASI Application and Support Coordinator Contacts
General Application Questions:
Laura Meushaw
303-866-6618 | Send an email to Laura
Online Application Technical Assistance:
Kim Burnham
303-866-6916 | Send an email to Kim
Budget Questions:
Evan Davis
303-866-6129 | Send an email to Evan
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