The E-rate Program and Conroe ISD’s Technology Plan

Agenda

What is E-Rate? Why is E-Rate important? Conroe ISD’s technology plan How does it affect me?

What is E-Rate?

E-Rate is the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism.

It provides discounts to schools and libraries for telecommunications and Internet access.

It provides connectivity to libraries, not equipment.

What is E-Rate?

There are four categories they fund:1) Telecommunications Services2) Internet Access3) Internal Connections (other than

Basic Maintenance)4) Basic Maintenance of Internal

Connections

Why is E-Rate important?

E-rate gives libraries discounts of 20% to 90% depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served. (USAC overview)

Click here for what services are eligible

How schools get discounts…

In order to apply for E-rate discounts, districts mustsubmit a technology plan which contains:

Clear goals and a realistic strategy for using technology.

A professional development strategy.

An assessment of services needed.

A sufficient budget to acquire and support non-discounted elements of the plan.

An evaluation tool to monitor progress toward goals

(USAC overview)

Conroe ISDTechnology Mission Statement

To facilitate life-long learning and promote school-community interaction, CISD will enable students and staff to effectively participate in a rapidly changing world by providing access to technological resources and by supporting innovation.

(Conroe ISD Technology Plan www.conroeisd.net)

Conroe ISDTechnology Plan

Improve achievement and productivity by restructuring the teaching and learning environment.

Provide time and training for utilizing technology.

Provide technological connections between home, school and the world.

Monitor and evaluate technology plans continuously.

How does all of this affect me?

Conroe ISD is: Embracing wireless WebPC’s.

Using online environments for storage as well as software.

Supporting teacher professional development in technology.

New Learning Environments!21st Century Learning environments – Connectivity

CISD Technology by Campus Type

18%

18%

27%

37%

Labs + Library + WOW Carts

Elementary IntermediateJunior High High School

Conroe ISD is helping teachers move from…

Teacher-centered instruction to student centered learning

Isolated work to collaborative work

Passive learning to inquiry-based learning

Artificial context to authentic context

War Eagle Shorts – Coming soon!

Watch your e-mail for schedule, the sign up in Eduphoria!

RIDGE ROCKS!