This document summarizes E-Rate and Frisco ISD's technology plan. E-Rate is a program administered by USAC that provides discounts of 20-90% on telecommunication and internet services to US schools and libraries. To be eligible, schools must have a technology plan showing how technology improves curriculum and libraries. Frisco ISD's technology plan aims to increase technology availability and staff/student proficiency. It provides a technology integration facilitator and specialist at each campus to support integration and training.
2. Agenda Introduce and summarize The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (E-Rate) Frisco ISD’s District Technology Plan Review references
3. E-Rate – Overview Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) “ Provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access” (Universal Service Administrative Company, 2010).
4. E-Rate – Funds Four service categories funded: Telecommunications services Internet access Internal connections other than basic maintenance Basic maintenance of internal connections
5. E-Rate – Eligibility Discounts range from 20%-90% of the cost of eligible services Depends on level of poverty and urban/rural status
6. E-Rate – Technology Plan Interested schools or districts must prepare a technology plan that shows how technology will be used to improve: Curriculum Library Services
7. E-Rate – Forms and Letters Forms and Letters Information Needed / Provided FCC Form 470 Begins competitive process for desired services FCC Form 471 Seeks funding for eligible services Funding Commitment Decision Letter Schools & Libraries Division (SLD) decides on funding requests FCC Form 486 Informs SLD of beginning of services FCC Form 472 or FCC Form 474 Tells SLD to pay service provider
9. Frisco ISD Tech – Goals Increase availability of technology Increase training opportunities for new technologies Assess and ensure administrator, educator and student proficiency with technology Utilize technology for increased communication between campuses and the global community
11. Frisco ISD – Support Staff Technology Integration Facilitator Assigned to every campus Provides campus staff development Assists with technical support Technology Integration Specialist Assigned to every campus Assists in planning and integration of technology
12. References Universal Service Administrative Company. (2010). Overview of the schools and libraries program. Retrieved from: http://www.usac.org/sl/about/overview-program.aspx Universal Service Administrative Company. (2010). E-Rate discounts for schools and libraries. Retrieved from: http://www.usac.org/_res/documents/sl/pdf/E-rate-Overview.pdf Frisco ISD. (2008). Technology mission, vision and goals. Retrieved from: http://www.friscoisd.org/departments/technology/mission.htm Frisco ISD. (2008). Technology supporting instruction. Retrieved from: http://www.friscoisd.org/technology/teachers.htm