Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI)

Introduction to EASI

Overview of the EASI Application (2021 version coming soon!)

EASI Eligibility and Prioritization

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)

Choosing an External Provider (PDF)

EASI Eligibility and Prioritization

• EASI 2021-2022 Prioritization Overview (PDF)
• EASI 2021-2022 Eligibility and Prioritization Points (XLS)

CO-MTSS Team Membership Form - Attachment C (Word)

EASI Approval and Transmittal Form - Attachment D (Word)

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:

• Diagnostic Review
  • Holistic Review Providers
  • English Language Development (ELD) Review (District Level)
  • English Language Development (ELD) Review (School Level)
  • District Early Literacy Instructional Program Review
  • Diagnostic Review for AECs and Online Schools
• Stakeholder and Community Engagement Planning
• Improvement Planning

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.

• Accountability Pathways Planning and Implementation
• Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports (CO-MTSS)
• 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.

• Facilitated Board Training for School Improvement

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 (CO-MTSS)

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

Virtual EASI Support Fair

To prepare for the application process, district and school staff are invited to the EASI Support Fair on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 12 - 3 pm. This virtual event will provide 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. District and school staff who are new to EASI will be able to join the fair for a special EASI 101 session before the general information session begins. The agenda below outlines the topics for the fair:

• 12 - 12:30 pm - EASI 101 (District and school staff new to EASI)
• 12:30 - 12:45 pm - EASI Online System Overview (New and returning staff interested in a refresher on the online system)
• 12:45 - 1:15 pm - EASI: What’s New and Overview (New and returning)
• 1:15 - 2:30 pm - Open breakout rooms to learn about various support programs and ask questions (New and Returning)

If you have never applied to EASI before, please join the session from 12-12:30 pm. All returning district and school staff can join at 12:30 pm for an overview of the online system or join at 1 pm for the main kick-off session.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 12 -3 pm

Register for the Virtual EASI Support Fair

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

View the Provider "Get to Know Us" Video Gallery

Prior Year Applications

• 2018-2019 EASI Application
• 2019-2020 EASI Application
• 2020-2021 EASI Application

EASI Budget

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

EASI Application Revision Process Information

• EASI Application Revisions - Office Hours - Recorded 02/01/2021
  • Passcode: +2!6Lw5Y​
• Webinar Presentation Slides (PDF)

Additional Prior Year Resources

• EASI Award History - 2017-2020

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.

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