Schools and Libraries of the Universal Service Fund, known as “E-rate”

EDLD 5352

EA1208

Jackie Vaughn

Lamar University

What is Schools and Libraries of the Universal Service Fund?

The Schools and Libraries program makes telecommunications and information

services more affordable for schools and libraries in America.

How does the Schools and Libraries Program work?

• A school or library must develop a technology plan and show how the technology will seek support to achieve educational goals

• The School or Library provides notice that it seeks services and be in accordance with FCC rules and state and local law

• Vendors bid to provide services to the school or library• The school or Library files an application with the USAC (Universal

Service Administrative Company)• After the USAC approves the school’s or libraries application, the

vendor will provide the eligible services (the vendor is reimbursed the amount of the discount from the USF (Universal Service Fund)

Who Pays?

• All telecommunications service providers and certain other providers of telecommunications must contribute to the federal USF based on a percentage of their revenues

• Some consumers are charged on their telephone bill to recover the USF contributions (not to exceed the companies contribution)

Galena Park ISD Technology Improvement Plan

• Section I – Introduction

• Section II – Needs Assessment

• Section III – Overview of Goals and Objectives

• Section IV – Action Plan

Introduction

In the introduction the following information is listed:

• District

• Location

• District Advisory Team

• District Mission/Vision Statement

Needs Assessment

Questions are answered for districts concerning:

Where we have been?

Where we are now?

Where we are going?

Overview of Goals and Objectives

• Goal I – Infrastructure for TechnologyIncrease access to Technological Tools

• Goal II – Increase skills, knowledge, and abilities of GPISD employeesEducator Preparation and Development: Incorporate technology as an integral part of instruction through meaningful staff development

Action Plan

• In the Action Plan, the goals are broken down into objectives

• Under objectives, there is a action statement, person responsible, resources, and indicators of success for that objective

Preparing For The Future

• To prepare our students for the future, we need to integrate technology in the classroom curriculum.

• School districts need to have a technology vision and plan that will help our students be successful and be prepared for their future.

• Schools today need to change to meet the needs of the 21st century students.