1. Universal Service Fund
Simplified

2. Agenda
 Define
 Goals and realistic strategy
 An assessment of telecommunication services,
hardware, software, and other services needed
 Budget resources
 Ongoing evaluation process
 Summary
 Resources

3. E-Rate
 The E-rate program is administered by the Schools and
Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC). The program was set up
in 1997 when the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) adopted a Universal Service Order implementing the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Order was designed
to ensure that all eligible schools and libraries have
affordable access to modern telecommunications and
information services. Up to $2.25 billion annually is
available to provide eligible schools and libraries with
discounts under the E-rate program for authorized
services.
(http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/erat
e.html)

4. Goals and realistic strategy
 1.1 ratio computer to student
 Wireless ultra mobile devices will be continued to
improve student learning.
 Provide teachers with additional classroom interactive
hardware and software.
 Provide teachers and students with interactive boards
and tablets for classroom use.

5. Professional
Development
• Students and teachers will receive training in Internet safety and digital
citizenship.
• Instruction for teachers will include web-based learning and a variety of
models accessible from the district online staff development center,
libraries and classrooms.
• Model teaching with technology integration in all curricular staff
development sessions. Align all sessions to the ISTE NETS for Teachers and
Students.
• All instructional staff will receive training in teaching with technology.
•

6. Assessment of telecommunication services,
hardware, software, and other services
Assessing our assets
Assessing usefulness
Updating software and hardware
IT support
Questioners

7. Budget resources
 Discount from 20 to 90 percent.
 Eligibility to determine level of discount
 National food act and federally approved alternative
,mechanisms.
 E-Rate Program - Discounted Telecommunications
Services -- Office of Non-Public Education

8. Applied Discount
Income Measured by%
of students eligible foe
the National School
Lunch Program (NSLP)
Urban Location
E-Rate Discount
Rural Location
E-rate discount
Percentage of students
using NSLP
And the school is located
in an Urban area
If the school is in an Rural
area
> than 1% 20% 25%
1% to 19% 40% 50%
20% to 34% 50% 60%
35% to 49% 60% 70%
50% to 74% 80% 80%
75% to 100% 90% 90%

9. Summary
 The goal is to bring a 1 to 1 ratio of technology to all
students and staff.
 To continually support the staff with needed updates
and knowledge of software.
 Allowing for a smooth transition for a paper based
classroom to a 24/7 access to instruction .
 Maintaining and managing hardware.
 Allowing the 21st Century Learner to be successful in
the global economy.

10. Resources
 U.S. Department of Education, National Educational
Technology Plan. (2010). Transforming american
education: learning powered by technology Retrieved
from www.ed.gov/technology
 York, T. Department of Education, GCCISD. (n.d.).
Goose creek cisd technology plan for e-rate year 12
Retrieved from http://schools.gccisd.net/docs/38-
Tech%20e-Plan%202009-2012.pdf