School Transformation Network Grant

The Colorado School Transformation Network is an initiative by the Colorado Department of Education aimed at accelerating student achievement in some of the state's most challenged schools. Built on a foundation of collaboration and accountability, the program fosters strong partnerships among local schools, their Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Participating schools are supported through a comprehensive framework that addresses four domains of rapid school improvement: leadership, talent management, instructional transformation, and culture and climate. Each participating school receives individualized support, including diagnostic reviews, performance management sessions, and opportunities for professional development in a cohort model. The Transformation Network provides a multi-year structure to catalyze sustainable improvements in student outcomes. Schools are eligible if they are identified for improvement under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as Comprehensive Support (CS), Targeted Support (TS), or Additional Targeted Support (ATS), or if they hold a performance rating of Priority Improvement, Turnaround, or On Watch under the state’s School Performance Framework. Funding prioritization is determined based on a points-based system within the EASI program, favoring schools with higher demonstrated need and alignment to program goals. The program offers up to $60,000 annually per school for three years, covering costs associated with professional development, family engagement, curriculum resources, and capacity-building personnel. Budget development is a collaborative effort between CDE and school teams following diagnostic assessments. Although an additional support year is available in the fourth year, no further grant funding is provided beyond the initial three-year window. Funds must be used to supplement existing federal, state, and local resources and cannot be used for supplanting existing programs. Applications are typically due in December, following a fall engagement period where interested schools consult with a School Transformation Specialist to shape their proposals. Award notifications are issued in January, with initial diagnostic reviews occurring between March and May. The first planning and professional development activities commence by late spring or early summer. Schools and LEAs are expected to engage deeply in performance monitoring and planning through the program’s online Performance Management tool, tracking various academic and operational metrics. Each school must designate a senior-level district partner who will participate in all Network-related activities and co-lead improvement efforts. The success of the program hinges on the full engagement and commitment of school and district leaders, as well as the provision of conditions that enable school-level autonomy and innovation. Evaluation of progress includes both quantitative and qualitative indicators, and participants are expected to submit Final Expenditure Reports and data for monitoring student achievement, attendance, and other benchmarks. The Colorado School Transformation Network is not appropriate for schools experiencing leadership transitions or those already participating in overlapping state programs.