The document discusses the E-Rate program administered by USAC which provides discounts for telecommunications and internet access to most schools and libraries. It also summarizes the Houston Independent School District's (HISD) technology plan which was created to meet E-Rate filing requirements and achieve five outcomes. The plan identifies over 200 technology needs from focus groups and has 13 goals including improving technology literacy, ensuring equity and access, and increasing management efficiency through data-driven decisions. It also notes HISD schools are eligible to apply for E-Rate discounts to help implement the technology plan goals.

1. E-Rate And the HISD Technology Plan

2. Agenda Introduction to HISD Technology Plan Technology needs Goals/ Budget Overview of E-Rate: Schools and Libraries Who’s eligible How the application process works Training opportunities

3. Overview: Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Provides discounts to most schools and libraries to have affordable telecommunications and internet Information received from http://www.usac.org

4. Eligibility of schools Must provide elementary or secondary education as determined under state law May be public or private institutional day or residential schools, or public charter schools Must operate as non-profit businesses and cannot have an endowment exceeding $50 million. Information received from http://www.usac.org

5. Eligibility of libraries Must be eligible for assistance from a state library administrative agency under that Act Must have budgets completely separate from any schools (including, but not limited to, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities) Cannot operate as for-profit businesses Information received from http://www.usac.org

6. Process Information received from http://www.usac.org

7. Training Opportunities Each year, USAC conducts training for participants in the Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program. All trainings are complimentary. Video tutorials are also available. The link below will take you to one of the many tutorials. E-File Overview: http://blip.tv/usac-tutorials/e-file-overview-2381346 Information received from http://www.usac.org

8. Houston ISD Long Range Strategic Plan for Technology

9. Introduction Created to meet all filing requirements of the Texas E-Plan and to provide the District with a strategic road map for technology providing a strategic road map and meeting various filing and compliance requirements, the plan has been created to achieve five key outcomes: The Plan is Useable The Plan Focuses on Instructional and Business Needs The Plan is a “Living” Document, Subject to Continuous Review and Update The Initiatives Contained in the Plan are Realistic This strategic plan includes organizational initiatives and a decision making framework that enables the Technology and and Information Systems Department to provide high quality service and to be seen as advocates for the appropriate use of technology within the District. Information received from www.houstonisd.org

10. Technology needs Fifty focus groups comprised of numerous stakeholders resulted in identifying over 200 “wish list” technology items. Many of the needs are addressed in the 13 goals including the numerous objectives and strategies Information received from www.houstonisd.org

11. Goals 1. HISD students will become technology literate and will acquire life-long knowledge and skills to be successful in the 21st century. 2. Assure equity and access to technology-enhanced curriculum and resources district-wide. 3. Promote responsible and appropriate technology use. 4. Create a framework to provide anytime, anywhere, professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff to facilitate a technology-enhanced learning environment. 5. Increase the amount of training received by all educators on innovative and effective strategies for integrating technology into all areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in order to increase student achievement. Information received from www.houstonisd.org

12. Goals Continued 6. Develop a comprehensive, ongoing, Long Range Technology Planning process that includes input from all stakeholders, meets all local, state, and federal requirements, and creates a positive district culture. 7. Encourage community interaction in HISD’s educational programs in order to improve public support and confidence in schools. 8. Identify and implement instructional programs that extend instruction beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom setting through the increased use of technology to provide additional educational opportunities to all students. 9. Provide technology tools to increase management efficiency and to support data-driven, sound, decision-making. Information received from www.houstonisd.org

13. Goals Cont. 10. Align the district’s enterprise level applications into a centralized, secure, integrated system that combines all data to provide a single, reliable, source for all departments. 11. Expand the reach and capacity of HISD’s network to provide a secure and robust infrastructure that supports teaching and learning with technology, as well as other district initiatives. 12. Create a strategy to optimize network infrastructure and the operation and management thereof, making it more agile, efficient, and secure. 13. Reduce the environmental footprint of HISD’s technology infrastructure. Information received from www.houstonisd.org

14. Budget over last three years

15. Final Thoughts The 13 goals included in the HISD Technology Plan has been created to apply with all requirements from the USAC. Every school in HISD is a target to apply for E-Rate. All goals are being implemented within schools.