SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES UNIVERSAL SERVICE MECHANISM

BY: MICHELE HERMAN

E Rate1

Agenda

What is E-Rate

Cy-Fair ISD Technology Plan

Star Chart Results

What impact does E-Rate have on CFISD?

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What is the "E-Rate"?

Provides discount to schools and libraries for telecommunication services under the direct of the Federal Communication Commission.

Internet and telecommunications are offered with discounts to school that meet the criteria.

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How does it work?

Eligible schools and libraries can receive discounts of 20-90 percent discount on telecommunication services, Internet access and internal connections.

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Funding….

Based on percentage level of student eligible for federal free and reduced lunch program. Libraries will use the school lunch eligibility percentage from their local school districts.

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E-Rate Discounts

Basic Phone Service-local and long distance(voicemail not included)

Leased data circuits(Routers,Switches,Network Servers)

T-1,56K ISDN Lines

Dial-up Internet access

Direct internet connections

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Program Specfics

What's not Covered? Computers for teachers or students, fax machines,

modems, software, professional development, and asbestos removal. Resale of discounted services is prohibited.

How Much Money is Available in Discounts? Up to $2.25 billion per year will be available from the

Universal Service Fund. The Fund for schools and libraries will be established on January 1, 1998.

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Application Process

Applicants must have Technology Plan

Submit the Application Plan

Click site for application:

http://www.usac.org/sl/

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CFISD Technology Vision

As an integral part of the teaching and learning process, instructional technology will facilitate students’ active learning and prepare them to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

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STAR Chart Results10

Campus Results

Early Tech, 6-8

Developing Tech, 9-14

Advanced Tech, 15-20

Target Tech, 21-24

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How does this help CFISD

Helps districts elevate budget resources associated with technology which in turn will free up more room to purchase the following.

Allows district extra monies to replace aging computers.

Installing mounted projectorsSmartboardsDocument readersLaptops for all students

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Where is the Plan?

Follow the link below:

http://www.cfisd.net/dept2/technology/Technology%20Plan.pdf

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Final Thoughts

Technology is an integral part of educating the future generations.

Students need technology to perform in the 21st century workplace.

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