School Transformation Network Grant
This initiative provides funding and resources to low-performing schools in Colorado to improve student achievement through targeted support and collaboration with local education agencies.
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 stateโs 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 programโs 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.
Award Range
$180,000 - $180,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Up to $60,000 per school annually for three years (2025-28); funds support professional development, instructional resources, staffing, and family engagement strategies; indirect costs allowed only on federal awards and capped as per CDE guidance.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants are schools identified for improvement under ESSA (Comprehensive Support, Targeted Support, or Additional Targeted Support) or those designated as Priority Improvement, Turnaround, or On Watch under the Colorado School Performance Framework. Applications must be submitted by the LEA in collaboration with the school, and include district-level partnership throughout program participation.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
December 31, 2025
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