The document summarizes information about the E-Rate program, which provides discounts of 20-90% on telecommunications services, internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance for most schools and libraries in the US. It outlines the services that are eligible for funding, how discount levels are determined based on poverty and location, and the multi-step application and funding process. It also provides details about the technology plan requirements for schools to receive E-Rate funding and describes Leander Independent School District's technology mission and plans to integrate instructional technology into the curriculum at different grade levels.

1. E-Rate
Schools and Libraries Program of the
Universal Service Fund

2. Agenda
What is E-Rate?
Services eligible
Discounts
Application Process
LISD Technology Plan
Questions

3. What is E-Rate?
Provides discounts to most schools & libraries in US
20-90% discounts on telecommunications services, Internet
access, internal connections & basic maintenance of connections
Administered by the Universal Service Administration Company
(USAC)
$2.25 billion in discounts annually

4. So what services are eligible?
Priority 1 - funded first
Telecommunications Services
Internet Access
Priority 2 - funded beginning with the neediest
applicants first
Internal Connections
Basic Maintenance

5. Discounts
Two criteria make up discounts -
Poverty
based on National School Lunch Program Eligibility
Location
urban/rural defined by counties
The discount matrix is available on-line
USAC Discount Matrix

6. Application Process
Step 1 - Determine Step 7 - Submit Your
Eligibility Application for Program
Support
Step 2 - Develop
Technology Plan Step 8 - Undergo
Application Review
Step 3 - Open Competitive
Bidding Process Step 9 - Receive Your
Funding Decision
Step 4 - Select Service
Provider Step 10 - Begin Receipt of
Services
Step 5 - Calculate the
Discount Level Step 11 - Invoice USAC
Step 6 - Determine Your
Eligible Services

7. Technology Plan Requirements
Schools must create a Technology Plan and get approval from TEA.
Technology Plans must do the following:
establish clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications
and information technology to improve education or library services;
provide professional development strategy to ensure that staff know how to
use these new technologies to improve education or library services;
include an assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware,
software, and other services that will be needed to improve education or
library services;
include an evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor
progress toward the specified goals and make mid-course corrections in
response to new developments and opportunities and they arise.

8. Leander ISD Technology
Mission Statement
The mission of Technology Services is to facilitate and enhance the learning environment,
communications and district management through the effective use of technology.
Instructional Technology
Aligned with the grade level focus, curriculum teams are in the process of embedding
lessons using technology into core subject areas creating a seamless integration of
technology and content curriculum.
Recently a district-wide Instructional Leadership Team, along with teacher input, devised a
standard template to determine the most appropriate technology hardware for each
department and grade level. These decisions were curriculum based. With the passing of
the 2007 bond election, the updates will occur gradually.

10. Instructional Technology Focus
Kindergarten Third
First Fourth
Second Fifth