The document summarizes the E-Rate program requirements for obtaining technology funding, including developing a technology plan. It then details the Galveston Independent School District's 2005-2008 technology plan, which includes assessments of needs, goals to improve education through technology, and budgets to obtain funding. While the plan discusses objectives, it lacks specifics on implementation and evaluation, suggesting gaps that need addressing to better utilize technology in classrooms.

1. E-Rate and the Galveston Independent SchoolTechnology Plan Presented by Cathy Denise Parsons EDLD 5306

2. Introduction E-Rate *USAC *Eligibility *Technology Plan *Application Process Galvestion Independent School District Technology Plan *District Profile *Executive Summary *Needs Assessment *Goals and Objectives *Budget *Evaluation

3. USACUniversal Service Administrative Company Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund is known as E-Rate Administered by the USAC under the direction of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to attain affordable telecommunications and internet access www.usac.org

4. Eligibility Schools must provide elementary or secondary education as determined under state law Schools may be public or private institutional day or residential schools, or public charter schools Schools must operate as non-profit businesses Schools cannot have an endowment exceeding $50 million

5. Technology Plan The plan must meet specific criteria that address goals, strategies, needs, resources, and evaluation The plan must have a professional development strategy to ensure that staff know how to use these new technologies to improve education or library services The plan must include an assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services that will be needed to improve education or library services The plan must include an evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward specific goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities

6. Application Process Submit application for support (form 471) online or paper The form must be certified by an authorized person to be considered complete The form must be postmarked or submitted online no later than the close of the application filing window Applicants must certify that they have secured access to the resources necessary to pay for non-discounted portion of the costs for requested eligible services and to make effective use of eligible services Applicants will receive Receipt of Acknowledgement Letter Applicants will be determined for eligible services Applicants will undergo an Application Review Applicants will receive a Funding Decision Applicants will begin Receipt of Services

7. Galveston Independent School District Technology Plan 2005-2008Profile 12 campuses Student enrollment 9011 Technology Expenditures $4,402,400.00 Technology Expenditure per pupil $488.56 12 campuses have direct connection to the internet 523 classrooms with direct connection to the internet Computer/Student Ratio 3:1 Computer/Teacher Ratio 1:1

8. Executive Summary Results show that security improvements need to be made New electronic data system for students and finance has been selected Two new instructional technology assistant positions have been established The State audit found that procedural improvements were needed to maximize funding Developed a strategic plan for the bond election All locations are connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN) Each campus has a file server containing folders for employee files and shared software assets Every campus has a Follett automated library system including a PC lab A committee has been established to ensure consistency across campuses Teachers will receive IT training and be required to pass a proficiency test in order to receive equipment or laptop labs

9. Needs Assessment Builds upon the five year technology plan Require a commitment from Administrators to embrace technology and require all employees to follow the Administrators leadership in the use of technology Demonstrate commitment to use School District funding resources that are necessary for technology support and technology related staff development by the allocation of budget from local funds Adopt technology goals to exceed standards recommended by the State of Texas Long-Range Plan Ensure student success by creating initiatives supporting the adoption of technology in schools, home and community

10. Goals Promote student academic achievement through the integration of technology Expand district wide staff development programs to ensure the effective use of technology resources while emphasizing instructional programs To improve communication by utilizing technology To enhance the quality of instruction through the effective use of technology investments and infrastructure

11. Budget Budget year 2005 $3,806,800.00 Budget year 2006 $297,800.00 Budget year 2007 $297,800.00

12. Technology Expenditures

13. Year 2005

14. Year 2007

15. Evaluation GISD is currently participating in a Technology Planning & Evaluation Process The method will utilize campus Technology teams and Campus technologists as the individuals for meeting and discussing with each principal The information will be discussed in a group forum with the technology coordinator The results will be communicated to the Campus via a “Tech Plan Update” Measures are in the process of being implemented to ensure success and accountability Instrument for measuring Teacher Technology Skills Proficiency Staff Development designed to address needs/remediation Phase I teacher proficiency will qualify the teacher for access to PCs or laptops Software standards are being established and proficiencies will be Phase II Campus technology positions have been created Digital Curriculum have been implemented As additional tools and strategies are added, success measurements will be implemented Galveston Independent School District Technology Planning Committee. District Technology Plan [online] available. http://www.gisd.org E-Rate Program. http://www.ed.gov/echnology/netp-1010

16. Summary USAC and GISD follows a criteria in developing a technology Plan Plans for the USAC and GISD address critical areas of the implementation and funding of technology USAC requires a mid progress report GISD does not require a mid progress report USAC has a rigid timeline GISD has a flexible timeline I find the District Technology Plan with many gaps and deficiencies that must be address in order to provide teachers and students with opportunities for meeting the standards in the global digital world.