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Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI)
EASI Application 2022-2023
Now open for revisions.
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
(Available for 2022-2023 application revisions)
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 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 Transformation Network
- Continuation of Offered Services
Other Services Route
LEAs and schools interested in applying for participation in a board support of improving school systems.
Technical Assistance
Virtual EASI Support Fair
To prepare for the application process, district and school staff are invited to the EASI Support Fair on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. This virtual event provides district and school staff with the opportunity to learn about state and federal identification, meet and connect with CDE staff and external improvement providers, and learn more about support programs available through EASI. The agenda includes an EASI 101 program overview, a walk-thru of the online application system, a short improvement provider fair, and updates for this year.
Virtual EASI Fair - You can view the virtual EASI fair recording here.
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).
Building Capacity for Sustained Improvement – Working with External Partners
The EASI grant is designed to provide access to resources and expertise to help districts and schools accelerate and sustain their improvement efforts. In addition to the CDE-offered services, EASI provides funding for work with vetted external partners who are experts in the field, demonstrating a wealth of national and Colorado-specific experience and a proven track record working with urban and rural districts.
External partners on CDE’s approved providers list have expertise in diagnosing, planning, and implementing strategies to build school and district capacity in the following key systems and research-based practices necessary for sustained school improvement:
- Turnaround Leadership
- Talent Development
- Instructional Transformation
- Culture Shifts
All approved providers met CDE’s quality criteria and provided concrete evidence of their ability to improve outcomes for students in low-performing schools and districts. CDE’s list of approved providers, including examples of their work with other districts, resources for running a district RFP and considerations for selecting a provider, can be found here.
Provider Information
View the Provider "Get to Know Us" Video Gallery
Prior Year EASI Information
Prior Year Applications
- 2018-2019 EASI Application
- 2019-2020 EASI Application
- 2020-2021 EASI Application
- 2021-2022 EASI Application
EASI Budget
Please submit your AFR using the following Smartsheet link.
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) Improvement, 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
Carol Mehesy
720-415-7009 | Send an email to Carol
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