Mansfield ISD: E-Rate & Technology Plan

Ekena Wilkins

EDLD 5306

Agenda:

Overview of E-RateHow E-Rate WorksOverview of a Technology PlanMansfield ISD’s Technology PlanReviewConclusion

Objectives: After Viewing this Presentation, You Should…Learn what E-Rate’s purpose is, and how

applicants benefit from its resourcesDiscover what a Technology Plan is, and

how they are used by schools/districtsAccess Mansfield ISD’s Technology Plan,

and understand how it is used

Overview of E-Rate

What is E-Rate?

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

It is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

What Does E-Rate Do?

Provides discounts to schools and libraries for telecommunications products and internet access.

Goal is equitable technology access for educational campuses

How E-Rate Works

Who Is Eligible for E-Rate?

Schools, districts, and librariesCampuses must apply for E-Rate to

confirm eligibility.Discounts depend on factors such as

poverty level urban/rural status

How does E-Rate Assistance Work ?

Assistance ranges from 20%-90% of costs of eligible services

Applicants provide other resources to use E-Rate connectivity End-user equipment professional development Software

Campuses/districts include E-Rate assistance in their Technology Plan

Overview of a Technology Plan

What is a Technology Plan?

Technology plans are “detailed blueprints” that outline strategies for improving technological implementation with a unified goal in mind Serve as vision statement Help spark accountability Emphasize cohesiveness in implementation

How do Technology Plans Work?

There are four main sections of a technology plan: Teaching and Learning Educator Preparation and Development Administration and Support Services Infrastructure for Technology

Each section has an Implementation & Evaluation strategy

Mansfield ISD’s Technology Plan

What Does it Cover?

District’s Technology Advisory CommitteeGoal StatementImplementations and Evaluation points for

each sectionDetailed scenarios of how E-Rate and

other resources will be usedFor a detailed look, visithttp://www.mansfieldisd.org/departments/technology/pdf/techplan-yr12.pdf

What are the Main Focal Points?

Equity & accessibility of telecommunications equipment and internet for all students

Adequate instruction infused with technological tools

Relevant professional development & administrative standards for implementation

Sound infrastructure that uses E-Rate, budgeting, and stakeholders’ funds responsibly

Equity

Who Qualifies:Pre-APGifted & TalentedSpecial Education

Instruction

Phasing in of new technological equipmentMastery of skills

Critical reading & thinking Problem solving Synthesis Collaboration

Professional Development

Continuous, consistent, convenient

Caters to instruction, not merely technology

Involves all faculty, staff, and administrators

Infrastructure

Effective budgetingConservative spendingClose involvement with stakeholdersE-Rate Detailed personalized campus

infrastructure

What are the Results?

Each year, data is released to the MISD site outlining how well schools did in implementing technology implementation strategies

MISD uses the STaR Chart to monitor schools’ progress.

MansfieldHigh

SummitHigh

TimberviewHigh

LegacyHigh

MISD High School 2010-2011 STaR Results

Year 2010-2011

Overall Totals

Mansfield High Summit High Timberview High

Legacy High

Teaching & Learning

12 14 12 14

Educator Prep & Development

12 13 12 13

Admin. & Support Services

13 16 13 17

Infrastructure for Technology

13 13 13 14

Review

E-Rate is a program that provides discounts for equitable access to telecommunication equipment and connectivity

Schools, districts, and libraries apply for assistance

Discounts vary depending upon financial need

Review

Technology Plans help districts and schools better implement technology in education

Serve as detailed blueprints with implementation strategies and evaluation plans in place

Review

Schools evaluate their progress of implementing their technology plans using released data from STaR charts

Conclusion

Districts, and schools rely on one another for support and accountability to ensure students receive a quality education Reliable equipment Reputable resources Knowledgeable teachers Dedicated administrators

Conclusion

When schools, districts, or other campuses cannot meet all their needs independently, programs like E-Rate are valuable Equitability Accountability Consistency