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 Services For 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.

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.

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.

15. AHS ISDTechnology Plan 2004 – 2007

18. Teaching and Learning Budget: $54,000.00

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.

26. (3) Improve the capacity of all teachers to integrate technology effectively into curriculum and instruction. .. provide training to identify and promote curricula and teaching strategies that integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction, based on a review of relevant research and leading to improvements in student academic achievement. ..provide ongoing, sustained professional development for: teachers, principals, administrators, and school library media personnel to further the effective use of technology in the classroom and the library media center. Data analysis used to address these issues are: ...Individual Student Academic Assessment ...Report Card for Parents ...Stakeholder surveys ...AYP School and District Report Cards

27. ...Highly Qualified Teacher/Staff Reports ...Teacher Qualifications Report Cards for Parents ...Graduation and Dropout Rate Report ...Title III Immigrant Funding Report ...Safe Schools Reports

28. (4)Administration and Support Services address the role of the technology leader to create a shared vision, encourage and sustain the appropriate integration of technology, use modern information technology tools to embrace accountability and hence use data for sound decision-making and continual assessment of effective technology for improving student learning. This vision is shared through community meetings, PTA & Open House presentations, Cable Channel Broadcasts, Board Presentations, "Meet the Teacher Night", "Sharing Technology" Share Nights, Website, Newsletters, Program Brochures, and Summer Technology Camps.

29. (5)Infrastructure for Technology focuses on hardware, software, and human infrastructure (the capabilities or proficiencies of those who use the technical components). The infrastructure of a school is the critical element of support for all four areas of the Long-Range Plan for Technology. This hardware—and the connecting peripherals such as the network connections and the resulting communications capabilities—enable the system to function properly. The infrastructure provides the foundation for software applications, computer programs such as graphics or spreadsheets, and the TEKS content.