Colorado Department of Education

Application for Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI)

Application for Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI)

Log In

Pursuant to: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Title I, Section 1003, and the School Transformation Grant through HB 18-1355

Colorado is changing the way school improvement funds (1003a through ESSA and the School Transformation Grant through HB 18-1355) are awarded to Lead Education Agencies (LEAs). Rather than multiple applications on separate timelines, CDE is now streamlining school improvement opportunities into a single application and using a "needs-based approach" to award services and funding.

This new approach has been designed to: maximize impact on student learning; incentivize innovative ideas; create a fair and transparent processes; increase efficacy and efficiency; provide greater predictability to LEAs; and prioritize LEAs with high numbers or high percentages of low-performing schools. 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 greatest 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 (ATS) under ESSA and (2) Priority Improvement or Turnaround through the state accountability system. Specific eligibility and prioritization requirements are detailed in the Information Sheets for each program.

To access the full application planning document and other application resources, visit the EASI home page.

Log In

Forgot your password?

To Access the EASI Application:

  • Each interested LEA must designate up to two (2) Application Contacts and submit the name and contact information here. It is recommended that the LEA select a main program contact and a fiscal contact to initially access the application.
  • Once contact information has been submitted, access instructions will be emailed to the Application Contacts.
  • For information on LEA/school eligibility, EASI routes, and the full application planning document, visit the EASI landing page.

Required to obtain benefit. Form # CGA-235. EDAC Approved. Approved 9/7/2018 for 2018-2019.


APPLICATIONS ARE DUE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 at 11:59 PM.


Technical Assistance: Submit questions or requests for technical assistance to EASI@cde.state.co.us