Introduction
DUE TO TERMINATION OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM GRANT PROGRAM, THE PROGRAM WILL END ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2007.
The Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) Program is a federally funded program that provides financial incentives over a three-year period for schools to implement a comprehensive reform effort that is grounded in scientifically based research and effective practices.
The purpose of the CSR grant program is to improve student achievement by supporting the implementation of comprehensive school reform based on scientifically based research and effective practices so that all children, especially those in low-performing, high poverty schools, can meet challenging state content and academic achievement standards. The program rests on the premise that unified, coherent and integrated strategies for improvement, knitted together in a comprehensive design, regardless of whether schools use a nationally available approach or develops their program locally, will work better than the same strategies implemented in isolation from each other. CSR's goal is to encourage schools to adopt sound comprehensive school reform programs especially schools that are in need of student academic improvement (Title I Schools in Need of Improvement). There is also an emphasis on basic academics, such as reading, writing, science, and mathematics within the context of Colorado's standards-based education program as well as implementing a strong parental involvement program and meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).
By design, the CSR program in the state of Colorado requires local education agencies (LEAs) and schools to draw together individual initiatives that focus on specific areas and weave them into a comprehensive school reform design based on eleven required components. Resulting from the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Sec. 1601-1608), a revised set of eleven components of reform were adopted. These eleven components still identify the key elements to a comprehensive approach, including adding an emphasis of the importance of support for school staff as well as the role of scientifically based research in guiding the selection of appropriate strategies for reform. The new Comprehensive School Reform Guidance provides clarification and additional information about these new shifts in the law.
In the state of Colorado there have been four cohorts or groups grantees who receive funding in the same year. Cohort I (18 original grantees) 15 grantees and Cohort II (12 original grantees) 11 grantees have finished their three years of funding. Cohort III (15 grantees) is in their third year of funding. Cohort IV (12 grantees with 19 sites) is in their second year of funding. Feel free to also visit the National Database of CSR Schools, SEDL, for any additional information regarding funded schools.
If you are interested in the Comprehensive School Reform Grant and would like additional information about eligibility, the process, or the next competition, please don’t hesitate to contact the Program Administrator at the Colorado Department of Education.
Questions or comments? Contact Valerie Bass via e-mail at bass_v@cde.state.co.us.
For site problems please contact Della Shorman at: shorman_d@cde.state.co.us