The document summarizes the E-Rate program, which provides discounts of 20-90% on telecommunications services for eligible schools and libraries. Administered by the FCC and USAC, the program aims to ensure affordable access to modern services. Eligible institutions apply annually for discounts on services like phone, internet access, and equipment. The document also summarizes an independent school district's technology plan, which outlines goals and budgets to improve teaching/learning and educator development through technology integration according to state recommendations.

1. E-Rate Program

2. E-Rate Program – Discounted Telecommunications ServicesFor What?Federal Communications Commission (FCC)/ Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)/ Schools and Libraries Division (SLD)What is a

3. Non-profit private schools along with public schools, and libraries can receive discounted telecommunications services through the E-rate program. The E-rate program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

4. The program was set up in 1997 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Universal Service Order implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996.The Order was designed to ensure that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. Up to $2.25 billion annually is available to provide eligible schools and libraries with discounts under the E-rate program for authorized services.

5. The E-rate provides discounts of 20 percent to 90 percent for eligible telecommunications services, depending on economic need and location (urban or rural).

6. The level of discount is based on the percentage of students eligible for participation the National School Lunch Program or other federally approved alternative mechanisms.

7. (Non-public schools and others not participating in the National School Lunch Program can use federally approved alternative mechanisms contained in the Improving America's Schools Act.

8. Details of such mechanisms may be found in "Alternative Discount Mechanisms" on the SLD web site.

9. Discounts can be applied to commercially available telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections.

10. Eligible services range from basic local and long distance phone services, and Internet access services, to acquisition and installation of equipment to provide internal connections.

12. Prepare for the next funding year:For each year of the discount program, schools and libraries must file Forms 470 for tariff or month-to-month services and for new services to be provided in the following funding year.

13. In addition, new Forms 471 must be filed each year for discounts on any eligible service. Funding is on a fiscal year basis, beginning July 1st of each year and running through the following June.

14. Form 471 applications will be accepted upon the opening of the filing window for the program year that begins the following July 1.Further InformationFor more information about the E-rate, go to the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) website If you have questions about the E-rate, call the SLD Client Service Bureau at 888-203-8100, or fax 888-276-8736. To obtain SLD documents, call 800-959-0733. You can also direct questions and comments to comments@universalservice.org

15. AHS ISDTechnology Plan2004 – 2007

17. Technology ExpendituresTechnology budgets reported in the plan by category : $238,900.00

18. Teaching and Learning Budget: $54,000.00

19. Educator Preparation and Development Budget:$81,000.00Administration and Support Service Budget:$700.00

21. Committee Members:Joy Rousseau – Technology Director Sandra Chesshir – Librarian, School Dr. Ron Sterling – Principal, High School Dwight Thomas – Principal, Junior High School Shannon Arrington – Principal, Elementary School Wendy Popescu – Teacher, High School Math – Department Chair Debbie Frazier – Teacher, High School Science – Department Chair

22. Melissa Freeman – Teacher, High School LA – Virtual School Teacher Carla McCauley – Teacher, Elementary School TA TEKS Brandon Henderson – High School Student Donnie Jones – High School Student Laura Dacus – Parent, Elementary, Junior High & High School Students Jarvie Stroup–Parent or Board Member Debi Crawford – Community Member Michael Tivet– Community Member, TSTC

23. The vision of AHS ISD:Has been shaped by the pervading core values that all students can learn, all students deserve enriched curriculum, and all students need real-world skills to succeed. The vision of the Arp Schools Technology Committee is to provide all students with the necessary learning environment, nurturing, and vision to become productive, highly-skilled, successful citizens who can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing future.

24. Goals & Objectives: Arp ISD developed goals and objectives based upon the recommendations defined by the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology in the areas of Teaching and Learning, Educator Preparation and Development, District Needs Assessment, Administration and Support Services, and Infrastructure for Technology.

25. (1)Teaching & Learning focuses on the instructional needs of teachers and the learning needs of students in meeting the vision of technology in education. (2)Improving the academic achievement, including technology literacy, research, communication, and higher-order thinking of all students. ..Integrate technology (including software and electronically delivered learning materials) into curricula and instruction, and utilize a timeline for this integration.