3. Purpose Collects & distributes Universal Service funds Helps schools obtain provider discounts Oversees application process Provides training Monitors for compliance
4. Eligibility Most schools and libraries in the U. S. No Child Left Behind Act Library Services and Technology Act Assessment of technology needs Compilation and submittal of technology plan For more information visit http://www.usac.org/default.aspx
5. Campus Plan Teaching & Learning Educator Preparation Administration and Support Infrastructure Budget http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5082&menu_id=2147483665
The Schools and Library Program is a part of the Universal Service Fund. The Universal Service Fund was set up to collect and distribute collected monies from telecommunication providers. The funds are used to offset the high costs of telecommunication services. They are also used to assist rural health care providers, citizens with low income, along with most schools and libraries.
Progress is monitored toward the stated goals in the campus plan. Institutions may be randomly monitored in addition to their yearly monitoring. Schools must include a self-assessment tool in their plan.
The purpose is to level the cost of telecommunication services so that all eligible schools and libraries can have access to the internet and the technology with which to do so.
Eligibility is determined for schools and libraries via a set of criteria mandated by state and federal law. Traditional and non-traditional institutions may be eligible.
Once deemed eligible, schools and libraries develop a campus plan and submit it to the Universal Service Administration Company. The list of criteria are a guide to the components to be addressed in the plan. Plans must be comprehensive and doable. Our plan is closely aligned to the Texas Long Range Technology Plan for each of these components. For in-dept information visit the website listed below.
Since adoption and implementation of our plan we have made the following gains. Over the past three years we have made significant gains. There is still work to be done in all areas. We need to pay closer attention to the area of infrastructure and boost our gains in teaching and learning and educator preparation and development.
We are on the right track to meet our projected goal by the year 2020. Our immediate needs are centered around infrastructure and professional development. Future needs are spelled out in our second and third phases of the plan. Copies are available.
