The "E-Rate" program provides funding to help schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications. It has four categories of funding that can be used for technology services, infrastructure, and maintenance. Schools apply by determining eligibility, developing a technology plan, conducting competitive bidding, and selecting service providers. Weatherford ISD's technology plan focuses on technology integration, professional development, connectivity, and using technology to improve instruction and access to student and parent data.

1. “ E-Rate” coming soon to Weatherford ISD The Schools and Libraries program of the Universal Service Fund Company

2. Introducing “E-Rate” The purpose of this presentation is to inform you, our faculty, about the schools and libraries program or “E-Rate”. After seeing this presentation you can be better informed to answer questions about the “E-Rate” program when asked questions by students or the general public.

3. Function of “E-Rate” The “E-Rate” program’s purpose is to help provide schools and libraries with affordable telecommunications and internet access Four categories of funding Telecommunication services Internet access Internal connections Basic maintenance of connections

4. Sources of Technology Funding

5. Application process Steps to apply for “E-Rate” Determine Eligibility Develop a technology plan Open a competitive bidding process Select a service provider Calculate the discount level

6. Application process cont’ 6. Determine your eligible services 7. Submit application for program start 8. Application review process 9. Receive funding decision 10. Begin receipt of services 11. Invoice the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)

7. Weatherford ISD’s Technology Plan To meet the technology needs of our students Key targets of technology Integration of technology in all curriculum Professional development in use of technology Connectivity & Infrastructure Student/Parent/Teacher data access

8. Weatherford ISD’s Technology Plan Cont’ Instructional technologists To be available at each campus Provide professional development for faculty Integrate curriculum and technology

9. Weatherford ISD’s Technology Plan Cont’ Institute a Dell Mini 10 program for all teachers who undergo 6 hours of training Make wireless laptop carts available for use at all campus’ Provide student email accounts thru Windows Live Use of Infinite Campus SIS to provide parents & students a portal to check grades, attendance, and critical data

10. Weatherford ISD’s Technology Plan Cont’ Use of the Eduphoria software to log, track, and monitor professional development Use of the Epsilen software for teacher collaboration and student communication Increase in bandwidth, internet filtering, antivirus protection, and email archiving Customer service program thru implementation of staff surveys to better satisfy and suggestions for professional development

11. Summary Now that you have an understanding of what the Schools and Libraries program of the USAC is you will be able to explain to others the need for such a program in our schools. If you have any questions or want more details please refer to the USAC website at http:// www.usac.org/sl /

12. Resources Weatherford ISD: http://medintern-mjmcdaniel.wikispaces.com/file/view/EDLD+5362+Final+Project.pptx Retirieved on 6/2/11 Wikipedia: http:// en.wikipedia.org /wiki/E-Rate Retirieved on 6/2/11 Universal Service Administrative Company http:// www.usac.org/sl / Retirieved on 6/2/11 State of Texas public school technology inventory http://www.educateaustin.org/documents/TX_Public_School_Tech_Inventory_07.pdf Retirieved on 6/3/11