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Schools and Library Program of the Universal Service Fund (E-Rate)

Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission

Provides discounts to assist most school and libraries in the U.S. to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access

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What does it exactly fund?

Funding can be requested for:Telecommunications servicesInternet accessInternal ConnectionsBasic maintenance of internal

connections

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How much of a discount?

20% to 90% of the costs of eligible servicesDepends on the level of poverty and the

urban/rural status of the population served

Applicants must provide additional resources- computers, telephones, software, and any other equipment needed to utilize connectivity

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What are the Steps? Is it Complicated?

Step 1- Meet eligibility requirementsStep 2- Develop a Technology plan- use of

STaR chart would be a great assetStep 3- Open Competitive Bidding ProcessStep 4- Select the most cost effective

providerStep 5- Calculate the Discount Level

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Steps Continued…

Step 6- Determine the Eligible ServicesStep 7- Submit Application for SupportStep 8-Undergo Application ReviewStep 9- Receive your Funding DecisionStep 10- Begin Receipt of ServicesStep 11- Invoice USAC

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Where can I get the more Information?

You can access all the forms and requirements at: http://www.usac.org/sl/

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How can this help our school?E-Rate can free up some technology funds to

help in our areas of need.According to the Campus Improvement Plan:

Technology Needs: Replace teachers aging laptopsSmart boards and CPS systemsHandheld Brainchild student devicesReplacement projector bulbs (very

expensive)

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How are we doing in the area of Technology?

The STaR chart is a tool used for technology planning, budgeting for resources, and evaluation of local technology projects.

The results are used as a formative and/or summative evaluation tool.

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Where are we on the STaR Chart Evaluations?

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Where are we?

Currently we are advanced in all four categories!

The goal is to be in the target areas. This will help us be aligned with the Texas Long Range Technology Plan

For more information on the STaR chart and what entails to be target, access: http://starchart.esc12.net/

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How do we compare to other state campuses?

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How do we compare to other state campuses?

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Final ThoughtsThe future of education is in technology.The federal and state governments are

pushing for teachers to integrate technology more.

Technology is the key for our students to succeed in the 21st century economy.

NC 6TH IS WELL ON ITS WAY TO TARGET AREAS AND THOSE GOALS!!

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