Accountability Pathways

The Accountability Pathways program is an initiative of the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) designed to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and schools as they approach or undergo state-directed action due to persistent low performance under the state’s accountability system. The program provides targeted grant funding to schools in Year 4 or Year 5 of Priority Improvement or Turnaround status on the School or District Performance Frameworks, as well as those with existing State Board-directed action. The objective is to facilitate informed planning, develop pathway plans, or implement directed action strategies in coordination with CDE’s School Transformation Specialists. The program offers grants to eligible schools and districts to support activities such as conducting diagnostic reviews, engaging technical assistance providers, planning or implementing a pathway plan, and organizing stakeholder engagement events. Additionally, funds may be used for costs associated with early action interventions, third-party implementation partners, stipends for staff participation, travel for CDE-led activities, or legal and consulting services associated with establishing innovation or charter partnerships. For schools and LEAs under directed action, awards can cover up to 2.5 years of support, with annual ceilings per site type. Funding caps are as follows: up to $80,000 per school per year and up to $100,000 per district per year. Year 4 schools or districts on the accountability clock are eligible for awards in 2025–26 and contingent awards in 2027–28 if they remain on the clock. Total annual awards for a single LEA may not exceed $320,000. If a school or district successfully exits state-directed action, they may continue using awarded funds through that academic year but are ineligible for further awards. CDE may exceed award limits for directed management actions if cost-sharing and justification are provided, contingent on funding availability. The application process begins with a consultation with a CDE School Transformation Specialist between September and December. Final applications are due in December, and awards are announced in January. LEAs are expected to integrate pathway activities into their Unified Improvement Plans (UIP) or pathway plans and submit a Final Expenditure Report annually. Indirect costs are not allowed under this state-funded program, and expenditures must supplement—not supplant—existing funding. Each LEA must commit to identifying a high-level decision-maker to lead the project, while school leaders must engage in planning, reporting, and participate in CDE events. Multi-year awards depend on annual legislative appropriations, and all awarded funds must comply with detailed usage guidelines, including approval of post-award revisions before incurring costs. The program aims to ensure readiness for state board hearings and support sustainable improvement in historically underperforming schools and districts.

Engage CDE early; No indirect costs; Use budget placeholders when pathway plan not finalized.