1. E Rate
1
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES UNIVERSAL
SERVICE MECHANISM
BY: SHAUNA ELLER

2. Agenda
2
 What is E-Rate?
 Cy-Fair ISD Technology Plan
 STaR Chart Results
 What impact does E-Rate have on CFISD?

3. What is the E-Rate?
3
Provides discounts to schools and libraries for
telecommunication services under the direction of the
Federal Communication Commission.
Internet and telecommunications are offered with
discounts to schools that meet the criteria.

4. How does it work?
4
Eligible schools and libraries can receive discounts of
20% to 90% on telecommunication services, internet
access and internal connections.

5. Funding
5
Based on percentage level of students eligible for free
and reduced lunch program.
Libraries will use the school lunch eligibility
percentage from their local school districts.

6. E-Rate Discounts
6
 Basic phone services – local and long distance
(voicemail not included)
 Leased data circuits (Routers, Switches, Network
Servers)
 T-1, 56-K ISDN Lines
 Dial up internet access
 Direct internet connections

7. Program Specifics
7
 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 was established on January 1, 1998.

8. Application Process
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 Applicants must have a Technology Plan
 Submit the application
 Click the following link when ready to submit
application.
http://www.usac.org/sl/

9. CFISD Technology Vision
9
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.

10. 14
4
16
6
18
8
12
0
2
10
Teaching &
Learning
Education Prep &
Development
Leadership, Admini
stration, &
10
Instructional
Support
Infrastructure for
Technology
STaR Chart Results
2010-2011
2009-2010
2008-2009

11. Rating Categories
11
Early Tech, 6-8 points
Developing Tech, 9-14
Advanced Tech, 15-20
Target Tech, 21-24
***Cypress Lakes falls into the advanced tech in most
categories for the three years researched.***

12. How does this help CFISD?
12
 Helps district elevate budget resources associated
with technology, which in turn will free up more
room for the following…..
 New computers (cannot be purchased with monies
gained from E-Rate program)
 Mounted projectors
 Smartboards
 Document Readers
 Laptops for all students

13. Where is the Plan?
13
 Go to the following link to find the CFISD
Technology Plan
http://www.cfisd.net/dept2/technology/Technology%
20Plan.pdf

14. Final Thoughts
14
 Technology is an integral part of educating the future
generations.
 Students need technology to perform in the 21st
century workplace.