Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI) Application

2019-2020 EASI Application

EASI Applications are due Thursday, November 14th, 2019, by 11:59pm

Request Access to EASI App

Interested LEAs:

Designate an Application Contact and submit their contact information here.

The Application Contact will receive an email with instructions for accessing the EASI app.

Log In to EASI App

Log in to Online EASI Application

See our Contacts section if you have general or budget-related questions or need support with the EASI application.

2019-2020 EASI Application Resources

Planning Documents and Forms

EASI Application Planning Document (PDF)
- 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 information, please email Kim Burnham
EASI Online System Handbook (PDF) (Coming Soon)

EASI Menu of Supports (PDF)
CO-MTSS Team Membership Form (PDF) (Attachment C)
EASI Approval and Transmittal Form (PDF) (Attachment D)
2019-2020 Eligibility List (XLS)

Application Information Webinar

This webinar was recorded on September 23, 2019 and provides background information on the EASI Application, and walks through the online application system. If you require this information in an accessible format, please email Kim Burnham.

EASI Application Routes

The application has been organized into four different routes: exploration supports, district designed and led, offered supports, and continuation. 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 detail (e.g., eligibility criteria, prioritization guidelines, evaluation requirements, local commitments) for each program or opportunity is available below.

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.

District Designed and Led Requirements

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.

Continuation of CDE Offered Services Route

Identified school(s) is already participating in a program (e.g., Connect for Success, Turnaround Network). CDE and the LEA agree that continuing participation will result in improved results for the school.

Current grantees will work directly with CDE staff to fulfill current grant requirements. Please contact your program contact with any questions.

Technical Assistance

EASI Support Fairs

LEA and school staff are invited to participate in an event designed to highlight supports and funding available through the EASI grant process. Attendees will be able to meet and connect with CDE staff, learn more about CDE-offered services, and work with their teams to plan for the application process.

September 27, 2019
- 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Tesla Professional Development Center, Colorado Springs District 11 (2560 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80910)
- Register for September 27 EASI Support Fair
October 2, 2019
- 10:00 a.m. to 2:00pm
- Arvada Center (6901 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, CO 80003)
- Register for October 2 EASI Support Fair

Virtual Office Hours

Dedicated technical assistance time with CDE staff members (via web-conference) may be scheduled in 15-30 minute time slots on the following dates:

Wednesday, September 25, from 2:00-3:00 pm
Thursday, September 26, from 10:00-11:00 am
Tuesday, October 1, from 12:00-1:00 pm
Tuesday, October 8, from 3:00-4:00 pm
Wednesday, October 9, from 2:00-3:00 pm
Wednesday, October 16, from 2:00-3:00 pm
Thursday, October 17, from 9:00-10:00 am
Wednesday, October 23, from 9:00-10:00 am

EASI Expo

LEAs and school staff are also invited to a separate event, which will follow the EASI Support Fairs, to meet with and interview external providers who can support school and district improvement strategies.

Several types of external providers will attend the Expo:

Holistic Diagnostic Review providers
Providers who are on CDE’s Advisory List of providers for school redesign and improvement, representing the following categories:
- External Management providers
  - Full district or school management, or
  - Partial management focused on one or more of the Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement (PDF) (i.e., culture shift, instructional transformation, leadership and talent development
- Leadership Development Providers
- Charter School / Charter Network providers
- Stakeholder Engagement specialist provider)

October 14, 2019

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (subject to change)
Arvada Center (6901 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, CO 80003)
Register for October 14 EASI Expo

Prior Year EASI Information

EASI Application Prior Year

2018-2019 EASI Application

EASI Budget

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

Additional Prior Year Resources

2017-18 Approved EASI LEAs and Schools (XLS)
2018-2019 Approved EASI LEAs and Schools (XLS) (Coming soon)

Background

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.

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