The document discusses the E-Rate program, which provides funds to help schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications devices. To qualify for E-Rate discounts, a school or library must prepare a technology plan that addresses clear goals, professional development, an assessment of needs, a budget, and an evaluation process. The document provides an example of Houston Independent School District's technology plan, outlining goals and initiatives like infrastructure, data management, and equitable distribution of technology. It also gives examples of how technology is used at Patterson Elementary to enhance instruction for students, such as a student creating a PowerPoint presentation on dinosaurs as an accommodation and using Smart Boards in teaching.

1. The E – Rate and District Technology Plan By Portia Alvaro

2. What is E – Rate? Officially known as The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund A federal program that provides funds to assist schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunication devices and internet access

3. What is the first step in order to qualify? A school, school district, or library must prepare a technology plan to be considered for E-rate discounts

4. The Five Essential Components of a Technology Plan Outlined by Universal Service Administration Company

5. No. 1 Clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology

6. No. 2 A professional development strategy to ensure that staff knows how to use these new technologies

7. No. 3 An assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services needed

8. No. 4 A sufficient budget to acquire and support the non-discounted elements of the plan: the hardware, soft-ware, professional development, and other services that will be needed to implement the strategy

9. NO. 5 An evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward the specified goals

10. Houston Independent School District Technology Plan http://cms7.houstonisd.org/vgn/images/portal/cit_23015118/23482056Executive%20Summary.pdf

11. 5 Goals of the Plan Goal 1: Strategic Management and Accountability Goal 2 : Learning Support and Planning Goal 3 : Unified Student Record Goal 4 : Administrative Systems Goal 5 : Technology Systems

12. The Major Initiatives Timely access to information (district portal) Comprehensive student data (Chancery and GradeSpeed Curriculum and accountability information(AEIS, AYP, and disaggregated assessment data) Infrastructure to connect stakeholders

13. Helpdesk to answer technical questions and troubleshoot problems Monitor emerging technologies to aid in teaching and learning; data management process Establish standards for technology use; Equitable distribution of technology across campuses

14. Contains all pertinent information about the school district including schools, facilities, important news, events, calendars, and directories. Employees portal to email, training information, forms, curriculum, student information, and other services

15. The next 10 slides is a powerpoint presentation done by a student with disability. It’s an example of how technology is being used in Patterson Elementary ( Houston ISD) to enhance instruction.

16. As an accommodation for his weakness in writing, the teacher guided him in doing a powerpoint presentation on his favorite creatures - dinosaurs

17. Welcome to Julius’ Dinosaur Land

18. There were many different kinds of dinosaurs

19. Some were meat eaters

20. Some were plant eaters

21. Some could fly like the Pterodactyls

22. Some lived underwater

23. Some lived on land

24. Dinosaurs laid eggs

25. But….the dinosaurs are gone!

26. What happened to the dinosaurs?

27. All we see are bones

28. We don’t know.

29. Another example of use of technology at Patterson Elementary

30. Smart Boards are used to enhance teaching and learning

31. Final thoughts on the role of technology in the world today

32. There’s a whole new world out there with a whole new set of skills our kids need to manage. Will Richardson