Empowering Action for School Improvement

The Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI) grant, managed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), supports school districts in implementing the Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports (COMTSS) to enhance student academic and behavioral outcomes. This initiative is driven by state and federal mandates, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the state’s Educational Accountability Act (HB 17-1355). The EASI grant program streamlines multiple school improvement funding streams into a single application, allowing for a needs-based allocation of resources to support evidence-based interventions in struggling schools. COMTSS operates under a comprehensive framework that integrates prevention-based approaches with data-driven decision-making, universal design for learning, and a layered continuum of supports. The model aims to improve student outcomes by fostering strong partnerships among families, schools, and communities. It focuses on five essential components: team-driven shared leadership, data-based problem solving, inclusive partnerships, comprehensive screening and assessment systems, and the implementation of culturally responsive, evidence-based practices. Eligible applicants for the COMTSS route under EASI are school districts with schools identified under ESSA designations—Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CS), Targeted Support and Improvement (TS), and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (A-TS)—or those that hold Improvement or Turnaround plan types on the state's School Performance Framework. In instances of limited funding, prioritization is based on a school-level point system outlined in the EASI application. The funding spans a 2.5-year period, with awards of up to $20,000 in Year 1 and up to $80,000 in Years 2 and 3. Allowable costs include personnel for COMTSS implementation coaches, training fees, curricula, implementation tools, outcome measurement, collaboration time, and job-embedded professional development. Funds must be used to supplement, not supplant, existing local, state, or federal resources. Districts must submit multi-year budgets and adhere to annual obligations and reporting deadlines. The application for EASI Cohort 9 is currently open and due by December 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Technical assistance is available through designated CDE contacts. Selected districts will be notified in January 2026, with implementation activities including kickoff events and ongoing training beginning in February 2026. Participating districts must meet specific leadership commitments, including designating a District Implementation Team (C-DIT), attending required trainings, and submitting data and evaluation tools annually.

Emphasize alignment with existing initiatives and readiness to implement COMTSS model; commit to stakeholder engagement; ensure leadership participation.