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)

See Contacts Section for general or budget-related questions, and application support.

Prior Year EASI Applications and Resources

Access Prior Applications
View Revision Instructions

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

COMTSS Team Membership Form - Attachment C (Word)

EASI Approval and Transmittal Form - Attachment D (Word)

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:

Exploration Supports

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.

District Designed and Led Improvement Strategies

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.

Other Services Route

LEAs and schools interested in applying for participation in a board support of improving school systems.

Facilitated Board Training for School Improvement

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.

EASI Grant Summary

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

EASI Budget

Please submit your AFR using the following Smartsheet link.

Annual Financial Report (AFR) for EASI Awardees (XLS)

EASI Application Revision Process Information

Revision Process Guidance (PDF)

Additional Prior Year Resources

EASI Award History - 2017-2020

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.

Related Resources